Would you pass a strata driving test?

Eavesdropping on an email discussion at the Owners Corporation Network the other day, I came across this question: what do you do with a rusted-on Executive Committee member who's been there for 40 years and shows no sign of giving up?

Throw into the mix, for argument's sake, that this person doesn't do emails, doesn't 'get' sinking funds and disrupts meetings, if only because they don't understand what's going on.

But by dint of a shortage of volunteers and the support of other veterans of the strata wars, he or she always gets elected.

One frankly brilliant suggestion was to hold a 'skills audit' for current and prospective EC members, to flush out the dead wood.

Ability to send, receive and respond to emails without revealing the inner workings of the EC to all your relatives would be a start.  A basic understanding of how to run a meeting would be another.

Having completed the Strata Community Australia's free online training course for owners corporations – or attending courses offered by strata managers – would be a big plus.

Failing that, a basic knowledge of strata law would be a bonus (if you don't mind being called a 'bush lawyer' every time you raise a valid point.)

But while the old school strata battlers shuffle off to shout at episodes of Celebrity Apprentice, you have to wonder how many young, smart and savvy EC members would get beyond the email question.

Just as in every other level of politics, no qualifications are required for membership of strata executive committees – in some, all you need is a nomination.

And forget ordinary EC members; even if those basics skills were pre-requisites only for office-bearers, there would be more vacant seats in strata committees than at a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.

But if you want to learn more,  check out the Owners Corporation Network  and SCA (the strata managers' national body).  By the way I discovered this link to the Master of Meetings website which lists  the  best books for Australia on how to run a meeting.

What skills do you think EC members need?  Have your say on the Forum.