Stress is a subject near and dear to all of us. Community association board members and managers are being affected more each day by issues ranging from property values and delinquencies to community compliance and legislative issues. So how do we offer the best solutions and maintain a form of balance to create a “less-stress” environment? Consider these tips for the community board and manager team:
- Develop a vision statement – the where, what, when and why of the community association. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a formal vision statement, but it should be a common vision shared by all. The vision statement should be treated like a business plan and reviewed every few months or, at minimum, every year.
- Work together to form a partnership for the common good of the community. Educated managers and boards are more effective and efficient in serving their communities.
- Be professional, polite and to the point, and always in a pleasant manner. Stress-busters are a part of everyday life. Not everyone will always be happy. Homeowners and board members may get upset, and it may seem as though the frustrations are a personal attack.
- Create a series of goals for the community which will allow the board to be more efficient. If managed by a community association management firm, work with the community manager to create an efficient team approach to decision-making and strategic planning.
- Stay on task – plan out the year! As a board member, try not to micro-manage the other board members and volunteers, manager and/or onsite staff.
- Emphasize trust and teamwork among board members and be clear on the duties and priorities.
- Develop proven techniques for organization and time management. Create actions lists and don’t be afraid to ask for help or to come back to an issue. Use a team approach by creating a network of contacts for input. Create planning calendars and always take an expandable file folder with current and referral material to your board meeting, prepared to make decisions.
- Communicate! It is a great opportunity to listen and learn; plus it’s an opportunity to share the great things happening in your community.
- Think about adopting an interim policy for late fees and collection time frames. If you are consistent with your policy then you will not be accused of preferential treatment. Payment arrangements should be offered. Suspend future late fees provided payments are being made.
- Seek out community association education-related opportunities for every board member. Community Associations Institute (CAI) offers seminars equipping board members and managers with valuable skills and tools that will allow more efficient performance of daily activities. Set specific learning objectives for each training opportunity and a way of measuring its results.
There is always “tomorrow,” so don’t stress yourself out by trying to do everything in one day. Most importantly, have fun. There are ways – just think about it and make it a priority!
This article is provided by Jomar Association Services Inc.