Life in a strata scheme often mirrors the world of politics: getting things done, whether passing a motion or being elected to the strata committee, requires having the numbers on your side. The recent buzz around the Australian federal election 2025 highlights just how similar these arenas can be.
Want to boost your chances at the next AGM or committee vote? Here are five key lessons from election campaigns that apply directly to strata management in Australia:
1. Belief Isn’t Enough: Master Persuasion
You might be convinced you’re right, but that’s only half the battle. Like any candidate, you need to convince others. Simply stating your case isn’t enough; you need to understand different viewpoints and clearly explain why your position is the best option for the strata community. Assuming your view is the only valid one is a common mistake.
2. Craft a Crystal-Clear Message
Politicians stick to their talking points for a reason. Straying off-message confuses voters and undermines credibility. In strata, your message to fellow owners needs to be sharp, consistent, and easy to grasp. Voters should immediately understand what you want them to do and why. If they need to ask too many questions, your message isn’t clear enough.
3. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Catchy election slogans? Like this one – or this one? They stick because you hear them constantly. The same principle applies in strata. Explaining why a ‘yes’ vote is needed for roof repairs might require multiple conversations with different owners, perhaps more than once. It might feel repetitive, but consistent repetition is key to embedding your message.
4. Focus on the Undecideds
Political campaigns strategically target swing voters in marginal seats, not those already firmly decided. Apply this to your strata scheme. Wasting energy on those staunchly opposed is often futile. Instead, focus your efforts on owners who are undecided or open to persuasion and just need a bit more information.
5. Don’t Wait for Election Day (or the AGM!)
Political campaigns run for weeks, months, even years before polling day. The actual election day is arguably ceremonial only. Similarly, the AGM or committee meeting is too late to start persuading people. Many owners vote beforehand via paper or electronic means. Do your groundwork before – and sometimes, well before the meeting – to secure support. The meeting itself should ideally just formalize the decision.
Is This Cynical?
Protecting and enhancing the value of your strata investment requires strategic effort. Whether you are an owner, committee member, management rights holder, strata manager or tenant (occupier), you have invested a considerable amount of money and emotion in being part of the strata scheme. It makes sense to make the effort to reward that investment. Like political candidates, there are no guarantees in strata – voters can be unpredictable. Employing smart strategies borrowed from the world of politics significantly increases your chances of achieving the best outcome for your community.
Ready to act? Don’t navigate complex strata issues alone. Whether you need help crafting a compelling message, lobbying for support, or developing a winning strategy for your next meeting, expert guidance can make all the difference. Visit Strata Solve to learn how tailored advice can help you achieve your strata goals.