A system for managing a cluster of databases that process shared data, the system including a cluster of database nodes, each node including a memory, and a processor configured to, when it is determined that: (i) a lock on a resource is required by a particular node or process, and (ii) no other lock conflicts with this particular lock, send an asynchronous lock taken (ALT) message to a distributed lock manager (DLM); and without receiving a response or permission from the DLM, taking the lock for a resource for the particular node or process.