A preferred node is selected for a specific functional role in a cluster. Dynamic and static parameters concerning the nodes are measured, including connectivity to shared storage. A user preference value is gleaned for each node, quantifying the user's preference of each corresponding node for the functional role. A preference rating is calculated for each node, based on the measured parameters and the gleaned user preference value. The preference rating indicates the node's suitability for the specific functional role, relative to the other nodes. Connectivity to shared storage in the cluster can be weighted more heavily than other parameters. Examples of specific functional roles in the cluster include becoming the master node, becoming a failover target for a specific application, or remaining in operation with access to shared cluster storage, in response to an occurrence of split brain.