When it comes to electing board members, many owners choose the “friendliest” face, the neighbour who smiles in the hallway, or the person who “seems nice.”
But running a condominium corporation isn’t about being liked.
It’s about protecting millions of dollars, enforcing policies fairly, and making decisions that affect every owner’s wallet.
This is not a social club.
This is a business.
And we need to start treating it that way.
🧠The Role of Emotional Intelligence
Yes, emotional intelligence matters:
- Good directors listen to owners’ concerns
- They stay calm under pressure
- They de-escalate conflict instead of inflaming it
- They communicate decisions respectfully
A board with zero emotional intelligence risks alienating owners, creating unnecessary tension, and making conflicts worse.
But here’s the problem: emotional intelligence without competence is useless.
đź“Š Why Competence Matters More
A condominium board manages a multi-million-dollar corporation. Every decision they make – budgets, contracts, reserve funds, lawsuits – directly impacts:
- Your monthly fees
- Your property value
- Your future costs
Qualified directors bring:
- Financial literacy → understanding budgets, forecasts, and audits
- Policy awareness → knowing what’s in the declaration, rules, and Condominium Act
- Contract negotiation skills → preventing overpriced, one-sided agreements
- Project management experience → managing timelines, vendors, and repairs
- Risk management → avoiding unnecessary lawsuits and skyrocketing insurance premiums
Without these skills, boards become overly reliant on property managers and lawyers, which leads to:
- Rubber-stamped decisions
- Inflated costs
- Rising fees and special assessments
- Less owner control
⚠️ The Cost of Choosing the Wrong People
Here’s what happens when boards are elected based on personality instead of competence:
- $300,000+ in legal fees spent with no strategic plan
- $178,000 on stairs hardly anyone uses
- Owners kept in the dark until the bills arrive
This isn’t hypothetical – it’s happening here.
🗝️ What Owners Should Look For
When electing directors, ask:
- Do they understand budgets and financial statements?
- Have they managed projects, contracts, or teams before?
- Do they know the difference between personal preference and policy?
- Will they ask hard questions instead of nodding along?
- Are they prepared to represent owners – not management, not vendors, not friends?
Friendliness is a bonus.
Competence is a requirement.
🔑 Bottom Line
The board’s decisions affect every dollar you spend and the value of your home.
Vote for directors who bring:
- Professional experience
- Financial literacy
- Policy knowledge
- Critical thinking
- And yes – emotional intelligence, too
But never mistake a smile for a qualification.
A board member’s job is to protect your investment, not win a popularity contest.
