Strata Managers in the Property Olympic Games

or, what kind of Olympian is a strata manager …

A Quick Take

Whilst watching all those superhumans performing at elite levels in Paris, I wondered what kind of Olympian a strata manager would make.  So, here’s some thoughts about the how the skills a strata manager exercises compare to differing Olympic events, why and how that could make them medal winners in the property games.

[a 8:00 minute read, with 1573 words]

The Full Article

INTRODUCTION

We’re in the midst of the 2024 Summer Olympics where elite athletes of all kinds and from all places gather to perform superhuman feats that leave us mere mortals wondering how they do it, what it takes, and why?

So, whilst watching my favourite sports I wondered what kind of Olympian a strata manager would make, what events they’d compete in, and how they’d go.

Strata managers, often operating behind the scenes, are the backbone of multi owned residential and commercial strata communities. Their roles, though less glamorous than those of Olympic athletes, require a similar level of dedication, skill, and versatility.

Let’s explore how the multifaceted work of strata managers parallel the skills of different Olympic athletes, with anecdotal examples to illustrate some unique challenges, efforts and triumphs they endure.

THE OLYMPIC STRATA MANAGER ATHLETES

The Gymnast: A Balancing Act

Gymnasts are renowned for their incredible balance, flexibility, and precision.

Strata managers, much like gymnasts, must master the art of balancing diverse tasks. They juggle administrative duties, financial management, conflict resolution, and maintenance oversight. Just as gymnasts perform intricate routines with grace, strata managers navigate complex regulations and strata building needs with finesse.

Consider Jane, a seasoned strata manager, who once had to oversee a major renovation project while simultaneously dealing with a heated dispute between two strata owners. She had to coordinate with contractors, ensure the project stayed within budget, and mediate between the conflicting parties, all without letting any strata balls drop. Her ability to maintain balance in such a complex situation showcased her gymnastic prowess.

The Marathon Runner:  All Endurance & Stamina

Marathon runners epitomise endurance and stamina, pushing through long and arduous distances with unwavering determination.

Strata managers, too, require a marathoner’s stamina to handle the long term responsibilities of strata building operation management. From overseeing renovations to managing budgets and ensuring compliance, their role is a continuous journey that demands perseverance, a long term vision and persistence.

John, a strata manager, spent over a year managing the aftermath of a significant fire in one of his strata buildings. The process involved coordinating with insurance companies, contractors, and displaced resident and investor owners. John's ability to maintain his focus and stamina over this extended period, ensuring that every detail was attended to and that everyone was kept informed and supported, was akin to running a marathon.

The Swimmer: With Swift & Efficient Problem Solving

Swimmers rely on speed, technique, and efficiency to excel, and win.

Strata managers must also be swift and efficient problem solvers and task managers. Whether it’s addressing routine or non-routine maintenance issues, resolving disputes, or responding to emergencies, they need to act quickly and decisively. And, like swimmers slicing through water, strata managers must navigate challenges with streamlined and efficient precision.

Sarah received an emergency call at 3AM about a burst pipe flooding a residential strata building. Within the hour, she’d coordinated with the emergency plumber, notified affected residents, advised the insurance broker and underwriter, and arranged for water extraction services. Her swift, calm and efficient response, grounded on plenty of practise, prevented extensive damage and showcased her ability to solve problems under pressure, just like an Olympic swimmer responding to a false start.

The Decathlete: A Study in Versatility & Multitasking

Decathletes are the ultimate multi-event athletes, excelling in 10 different track and field events.

Strata managers similarly have to undertake multiple differing activities. They handle legal matters, financial reporting, maintenance, budgeting, communication, project management, community relations, and more. And each of them are challenging and need to be done almost perfectly.  So, their versatility is key to ensuring the smooth operation of the strata buildings they manage, much like decathletes’ adaptability across various challenging sports.

Mark, a strata manager, started his day by attending a legal meeting about a new by law, followed by overseeing a financial audit, then inspecting a roofing repair project, and ending the day by hosting a community event to enhance strata building resident relations, followed by a contentious strata owners meeting considering a special levy. His ability to switch between these diverse tasks with ease highlighted his versatility and multitasking abilities, much like a decathlete transitioning between events.

The Archer: Precision & Focus

Archers require pinpoint accuracy and unwavering focus to hit their targets.

Strata managers need similar precision when dealing with strata building subdivision plans, management documents, contracts and other legal documents, financial statements, technical reports, compliance forms and more. Attention to the details is crucial in ensuring that everything is in order and that the interests of the strata building, owners and residents are protected.

Laura, known for her meticulous nature, once identified a minor discrepancy in a strata building’s financial statements that could have led to significant issues with a major refurbishment project if overlooked. Her precision and focus in double checking every detail saved the strata building from potential financial mismanagement, the abrupt ending of the project and worse. This attention to detail is akin to an archer hitting the bullseye.

The Weightlifter: Strength & Resilience

Weightlifters demonstrate immense physical strength and mental resilience.

Strata managers need similar strength of a different kind: the strength to handle serious problems, stressful situations, difficult conversations, and the resilience to bounce back from setbacks. Their role often involves making tough decisions and managing conflicts for their strata buildings and the strata owners and residents that rely on them and are affected by the outcomes.  That requires a very strong, robust and resilient mindset that is ready to bear the heavy weight those challenges present.

Mike faced a particularly tough period when several major maintenance issues arose simultaneously in his strata buildings, including failing HVAC system, structural repairs and serious water entry after a storm. Despite the stress, he maintained a calm demeanour, remained focused on the projects, coordinated the repairs efficiently, and kept the strata owners and residents informed and reassured. His strength [used repeatedly] and his resilience in the face of these challenges was akin to a weightlifter pushing through their sets and final lift.

The Equestrian: Partnership & Communication

Equestrian athletes showcase the power of partnership and communication [often innate] with their horses.

Strata managers, too, must cultivate strong relationships and communicate effectively with strata building committees, onsite managers, owners, residents, contractors, consultants and regulators. They do that by building trust, listening [and sensing], consistent behaviour, clear and timely feedback, and fostering collaboration to build and maintain harmony within the strata community and achieve seamlessly smooth transitions, jumps and stops.

Emily had to navigate a complex situation involving a new strata building development project. She built strong partnerships with regulator officials, contractors, the developer, consultants and the strata committee, owners and residents, ensuring transparent communication throughout the process. Her ability to foster these relationships and maintain clear communication ensured the project's smooth progression, much like an equestrian and their horse working in perfect harmony.

The Fencer: Strategy & Quick Thinking

Fencers excel in strategy, agility, and quick thinking, often making split-second decisions and movements.

Strata managers also need to be very strategic in planning and implementing strata building management policies, decisions and action. They need to stay calm and steady so that they can think quickly on their feet when unexpected issues arise, making swift and effective decisions, and acting instantly with precision.

When a sudden planning issue arose regarding zoning laws, Tom quickly consulted with legal experts, strategised with the strata building committee, and devised a plan that protected the strata building’s interests. His calm, but quick thinking and strategic action were reminiscent of a fencer adjusting their tactics in the heat of a match, reacting to the other fencer’s movements around them.

The Team Sports Athlete: Collaboration & Leadership

Athletes in team sports like basketball, cycling or soccer excel in collaboration and leadership.

Strata managers, overseeing a team of staff, contractors, and other service providers, also need strong leadership and teamwork skills. Coordinating everyone’s efforts, delegating tasks, monitoring performance [good and bad] , adjusting the play, and leading by example are crucial for successful strata building management.  Otherwise, the team is overtaken and loses the race.

Kevin led a major strata building renovation project to install green energy infrastructure, coordinating with a team of contractors, suppliers, and strata owners and residents, plus dealing with a government funding project that partnered with the strata building. His ability to delegate tasks, project manage things, keep everyone motivated, and ensure open communication resulted in the project’s successful completion ahead of schedule. His leadership and teamwork were akin to a team captain leading their team to victory.

CONCLUSIONS

Strata managers may not stand on podiums, wear their countries jerseys or receive gold, silver or bronze medals, but their contributions are vital to the strata buildings and communities they serve.

And, like Olympic athletes, they exhibit a remarkable range of skills: balancing, enduring, solving problems, multitasking, focusing, showing resilience, partnering, strategising, managing risks, and leading.

Recognising the parallels between these unsung property strata heroes and athletes highlights the demanding and multifaceted nature of strata management.

So, to all the strata managers, pick you discipline [or lane] and go for strata gold.

August 05, 2024

Francesco …