Tips for Effective HOA Leadership

Serving on your HOA’s board of directors can be a rewarding and challenging experience. HOA governments are unique in that board members are unpaid volunteers. Not surprisingly, this means that boards consist of folks of all different backgrounds, with varying abilities, temperaments, and personalities.

No matter their differences, good HOA leadership depends on the board’s ability to work together for the common good of the community. Here are a few key traits HOA officers should possess to best serve their association and most effectively fulfill their duties:

Commitment and Consistency

An HOA cannot progress without a committed board. Each member must be willing to dedicate the time and effort required to consistently plan and attend meetings, organize community events, and enforce rules and regulations to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood. Whether elected or volunteered, board members must be committed to improving the community through hard work and dedication.

Preparedness

Productive board meetings are critical to running a successful HOA. To facilitate effective meetings, board members should always be prepared by reviewing the agenda, familiarizing themselves with any issues that might be addressed, and by showing respect and patience during the proceedings. Good preparation will not only result in a successful meeting but will also show homeowners that their leaders are committed to and proactive in their responsibilities.

Objectivity

HOA boards are tasked with enforcing the regulations set forth in the governing documents. Good leaders work to settle disputes as quickly and peacefully as possible. This is done by remaining objective, ignoring personal positions, and refusing to take sides in a dispute between homeowners. The focus should always be to encourage calm resolution and impose fair and consistent penalties if needed.

Transparency

Communication between residents and the board is key to running a successful HOA. While board officers may not foresee changes or significant events in the community, they can earn the trust and respect of those they serve by remaining transparent about what is happening at the board level. Whether through board meetings, email updates, or community newsletters, the board should take every opportunity to keep an open line of communication with their community members.
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Honesty and Fairness

In an HOA, there can be no playing favorites. While it is certainly beneficial to maintain flexibility in some areas, the board must never show bias toward certain community members or act in their own best interest. Governing documents set forth specific laws, restrictions, and covenants, and the board must be unwavering in their enforcement and follow-through.

Cohesiveness

Effective HOA leaders understand that the board, as a whole, acts as the decision-makers for the community. They accept and expect that they will sometimes need to set their personal views aside and compromise to reach the best decision. Serving on the board is not about accolades or exerting power over others, but rather centers on meeting the needs of the community and its members.

Related: HOA Leadership

Becoming an HOA board member is a big commitment and a great opportunity to make a positive difference in your community. Developing and applying these important leadership traits can help community leaders make the most of their experience in leading their association to success. If you’re an HOA board member looking for additional help, contact Spectrum Association Management today and see what makes us one of the top-rated HOA management companies, servicing communities throughout Texas and Arizona.