1. A method of collective operation management in a distributed memory parallel computer, the distributed memory parallel computer including a plurality of compute nodes coupled for data communications over a data communications network, the method comprising: entering, by a first compute node of the plurality of multi-connected distributed compute nodes, a collective operation, wherein each compute node of the plurality of multi-connected distributed compute nodes is associated with the collective operation, the collective operation an operation that is executed simultaneously by all compute nodes in an operation group of compute nodes; decreasing, in response to entering the collective operation and prior to execution of a next task, by the first compute node, power consumption of the first compute node; in response to entering the collective operation, by the first compute node; transmitting to an identified set of compute nodes of the plurality of multi-connected distributed compute nodes, an active message indicating that the first compute node entered the collective operation; and releasing a resource assigned to the first compute node; receiving, by a second compute node in the identified set of compute nodes, the active message from the first compute node; in response to receiving the active message, increasing, by the second compute node, power consumption of the second compute node, wherein the power consumption of the second node is increased by an amount that is based on a number of active messages received; and after releasing the resource assigned to the first compute node and in response to receiving the active message, assuming, by the second compute node, assignment of the resource until the second compute node enters the collective operation.