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7. LETTING PERSONAL
AGENDAS GET IN THE WAY
One of the most common recurring board errors is members using their position to carry
out personal agendas. This includes hiring friends as vendors, making choices that only
benefit their home or their friends' homes, and taking feedback personally.
An HOA is a non-profit corporation designed to run as a business. That means leaders
have a duty to act in the best interest of the association—not themselves. You must
separate yourself from any personal views and conflicts, as they can get in the way of
making the right choice for the community. Make fair and consistent decisions based on
standard practices rather than emotional opinions and preferences.
I believe the most important skill for a board member to possess is objectivity. You need
to look at all positions and then select the path that provides the greatest good for all
members of the association. This may not be the path that benefits you the most, but
benefits the group. We call this the 'no personal agenda' approach to being a board
member."
- Jesse Dubuque, CMCA®
General Manager
Associa Minnesota
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