Spa-Like Owner's Retreat!

Many homeowners are spending time and money creating a real haven in their master bathroom. Focusing on those changes that inspire relaxation and luxury,  many opt for a space that they enjoy for more than just showering and brushing their teeth!

If you are considering making a bathroom change, think about what you would like to include; a soaking tub rather that a whirlpool, dual shower heads for a couples experience, a ledge for you to sit on or for propping a leg up for shaving. Do you need a full glass shower with shower doors to keep clean? How about just a recessed shower pan with open sides for entering? Many people are even adding a heated mat under the tile to create a warmer floor on cold mornings.

If you are thinking of making your master bathroom have a more spa-like feeling, think of using subtle colors and finishes, with soft undertones of nature.

Thanks to Tamara Hyland, owner of  Total Renaissance Construciton and Renovations for being our guest blogger.  

Community Pool Makes a Splash on Social Media

CMA is sharing a social media post about a great neighborhood we manage.  Here's what homeowners say about their community pool. It's wonderful to be able to enjoy a refreshing, well-maintained swimming pool on these hot August days.

What if Bruce Springsteen conducted your leadership workshop?

What can you learn and apply in your community?

A professional colleague of our company’s CEO shared a classic Springsteen and the E-Street band video as a great example of leadership and how teams work creatively.  So this idea is not original with CMA, but we thought it worth sharing.  Whether you’re a Springsteen fan or not, you’ll be able to observe “how” they make music and their exuberant enthusiasm in creating an experience for their audience and themselves.

Bruce and the core E-Street Band have played together since the early 70s.  You can read more of their history on Wikipedia if you’re not already a fan.

Springsteen never tells the band the playlist until just as the show starts. And band members say the list doesn’t matter much, because he almost always changes mid-stream. He is prone to decide in the moment to play a different version of the intended song.  While this may sound unprepared, for these consummate professionals, it’s an edge that keeps the performance fresh.  As the video illustrates, he often throws an unplanned song to the band. This is where the leadership example comes in.  Take a few minutes to watch the video and count the number of leadership traits you can observe.

View the Video

As our colleague commented when he shared this link: “There is risk involved. There is a spontaneity that doesn’t give anybody time to posture or second guess. The band is watching and waiting while preparing for an experience. They have probably played 'You Never Can Tell' before, but it is about to become a live product that they hear as they make it. Note the showcasing of the band members, especially the horn section. They have not been with the E-Street Band very long compared to the core members. There is no consulting about their readiness. Yet Springsteen pulls, not pushes. Most of all, note that Springsteen and everybody else is simply having fun. It’s contagious.”

Renowned for his tireless energy and 3 hour ‘plus’concerts, “…Springsteen and the band clearly appear to be having fun, feeding off each other.  Especially listen to his very last sentence at the fade out. It sums up teamwork.  Use his last sentence to evaluate your own leadership skillset.”

Some take-aways from your viewing might suggest how to engage your community.

• Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous.
• Invite newer members to participate and be in the spotlight.
• Appreciate the talents of other members and trust them to perform.
• Smile, engage and have fun.
• Welcome everyone to join in and delight in a shared experience.

 That’s why they call him ‘The Boss.’  He clearly knows something about leadership.