HOA board members are usually fulfilling their positions on a volunteer basis, which means they’re using some of their free time outside of work and family obligations to better their communities. Because of that, it’s important that board meetings are both efficient and productive to be considerate of everyone’s time.

Sometimes it only takes a single board member to cause a board meeting to be unproductive and time wasting. Identifying some characteristics of problem board members and solutions for dealing with them can help prevent stressful and unproductive meetings. Here are a few traits of problem board members:

Puts Their Own Interests First

Acting in the best interest of the community is one of the most important guidelines board members should adhere to. Problems arise when board members put their own interests before those of the community. This selfish outlook often includes ignoring the community’s input, making decisions based upon what benefits themselves most, and ignoring the advice and ideas given by other board members.

Overuses Their Authority

When a member oversteps their authority, it takes away the opportunity for the other members of the board to share their opinion, serve their community, and fulfill their own responsibilities as a member of the board.

Assumes They Know Everything

While it is helpful for board members to have the knowledge and ability to problem solve, an individual who exhibits a know-it-all attitude can come across to others as overbearing and conceited. This attitude becomes problematic when the individual fails to listen to his fellow committee members, acts impulsively, and refuses to get further insights or education on the issues at hand.

Makes Decisions on a Whim

When board members make decisions without following proper channels or without considering previous members’ decisions and goals the results can often be disappointing. A fickle personality or attitude in a board member can be a problem when making decisions because the board member will often flip-flop between one option and another. They will want to try every solution until a problem is solved – regardless of the cost.

Fails to Follow Through

When a member of the board agrees to take on a certain responsibility and then fails to follow through it can cause a lot of problems among board members as well as the whole community or all involved. When a member of the board is inconsistent in their ability to follow through, it disrupts the productivity of the board and requires the other board members to sacrifice more to fill in the pieces.

Knowing how to deal with problem board members is the key to finding success even when personality traits crash and opposing opinions collide. The following suggestions may be helpful when dealing with problem board members:

  • Keep in mind that there is a difference between disagreeing and being problematic. Opposing opinions can bring to light new ideas and successful compromises. When members respectfully explain their differing views, it can open doors to success. On the other hand, members who disagree because they have their own interests in mind or desire to be spiteful, become more problematic.
  • Make a point to listen to their point of view. A few minutes taken to listen to the opinions and ideas of a board member can help to resolve issues. Sometimes problems arise over a simple misunderstanding. Listening doesn’t mean you will take their side, but it shows them you respect them as a member of the board. Respect from board members will prove beneficial even after they are no longer serving on the board.
  • It is also important to address the issue, and not via text or email. When addressing the issue, do so in person and avoid generalizing the problem. Be specific and provide examples to illustrate your point but remember to always be respectful and avoid becoming defensive.
  • An effective way to prevent the need to deal with problem board members is to avoid letting them join the board committee in the beginning. You may also choose to have written and detailed job descriptions for each position within the board and require each member to sign an agreement stating that they understand their responsibilities and roles.

We hope these tips help you in dealing with problematic HOA board members. If your board is struggling with certain members and needs assistance with keeping board meetings and tasks in line, contact Spectrum to see how our HOA management service may be able to help.