The following is a response from last week’s Leadership Notes:
Stephanie writes: I had a problem recently that I've never had in the nearly six years I've been managing associations. I took on the management of a property a number of years ago … I made the internal commitment to be in it for the long run to help the Board members … in the best possible way.
Unfortunately, it became clear that a board member had issues with me because of my gender. He began disrupting every meeting, trying to corral the agenda for his benefit and began bullying the other Board members. I finally decided enough was enough, and contacted the other Board members outlining a plan to stand up to the bully. [Finally] … I made the decision to pass the property on to a male manager...
Do you have any insight on how I may have handled this differently? I think I made the right decision. I made a financial sacrifice (I don't get paid to manage the property anymore) … I guess I am just trying to make sure I exhausted all my options and didn't give up to early (I'm always trying to improve myself and my methods).
Response: I believe you made the right decision Stephanie. Sadly, some people will put up with horrible circumstances just to make money. But in doing so they sell out their person-hood – they sell out their soul.
Sometimes it is better to walk away – and it takes enormous courage to do so. And you sleep better as a result!
Stephanie, I believe you did the right thing. You are a courageous leader. The rewards will always be there for those who are courageous. And that certainly includes you!