We make judgments and form opinions constantly. We leverage our individuality, expertise, and life experiences to shape our viewpoints and choices. But this process can fall victim to emotion, impatience, and an array of biases.
Having worked in nonprofit board development for 30 years, I’ve found that effective leaders possess these traits. I’m sharing them so you can compare them next to some of our current board leadership’s decisions.
1. Good Leaders Learn By Actively Listening And Reading Critically
Board President, Scott Timmerman, and House Rules Committee Chair, Melinda McMullen, have repeatedly voted to eliminate one of the fundamental rights enjoyed by owners in our peer HOAs: the privilege to address the entire board during scheduled meetings.
Simply put, they don’t want to hear your feedback.
Leaders with good judgment make sure they have processes in place that keep them aware of biases.
2. Good Leaders Look For, Then Challenge Biases
You’ve seen several messages over the past few weeks from our current Board President, Scott Timmerman. Each instance is hallmarked by a lack of intellectual and emotional detachment, often leading to defensive reactions.
This type of judgement is made worse by his decision to use Association resources and communication channels to deliver his campaign platform messages.
Leaders with good judgement embrace diverse perspectives while safeguarding points of contact for unfiltered, open feedback and communication.
3. Good Leaders Prioritize Execution And Impact Of Decisions
Over the past two years, we’ve seen a pattern of decisions that should be troubling to owners. Recently, Timmerman and McMullen made a controversial choice by implementing an aggressive late fee policy without the required prior notification to owners or scheduling a meeting to seek their input.
Even more concerning, Timmerman circumvented a formal board vote and made the decision to give owners only four days’ notice before the policy went into effect.
As a result, Timmerman’s judgement has cost dozens of your neighbors more than $40,000 while his predecessor, who supported his candidacy for Board President, has been exempt from this late fee for no less than three instances.
Leaders with good judgement empathize with the people their decisions impact and avoid even the appearance of cronyism.
While Timmerman is not facing reelection this term, it’s crucial to start change by withholding your vote for Melinda McMullen.
Curious to learn more about some of these issues? Feel free to get in touch, I’m happy to chat.
