Ebooks

17 Communities that are successful have boards of directors who understand that their role is to make policy and then apply those policies consistently across the association. Neighbors and friends don't get special treatment, and owners that challenge board decisions aren't ostracized. Once a new policy is adopted, a community association manager is charged with implementing the policy as written. Rules, regulations, and collection policies are all applied uniformly to all owners. This won't eliminate all potential conflicts, but it is an important step in the right direction. Another way to demonstrate consistency is through communication practices, specifically by maintaining confidentiality, and speaking as "one voice." Confidentiality is required to protect the privacy of members, as board members have access to financial information as well as enforcement actions in process. For example, the association will receive notification if a mortgage holder files for foreclosure or if an owner files for bankruptcy. Maintaining confidentiality of this information is a duty and a sign of respect. Confidentiality is also necessary when the association is involved in a legal matter of any kind. The board has a duty to protect the association and all of its interests. Sharing information with others who do not have that requirement could negatively impact the outcome of that legal matter. Once debate is concluded and a decision is made, each board member should support the decision and communicate it in the same way. This validates the decision-making process and maintains the consistency of the operation. THE BOARD MUST SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE. Consistency

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