Ebooks

1. PUT ASIDE YOUR PERSONAL AGENDA. To become an asset and a contributing member to the board, you should release any personal agenda you have – even if that's what got you elected. Nine times out of ten, board members are elected for promises they make such as adding a clubhouse, lowering association dues or building a dog park. However, once a board is elected they realize that their platform was based off inaccurate information, or the governing documents do not allow them to do what they promised. A great board member acknowledges the situation and puts their personal agenda aside for the good of the community. 2. SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE. Boards are the family that keep the association whole, and sometimes there will be a difference of opinion or a personality conflict. It is important to remember that after the discussions have finished and the vote is cast, the board acts together, speaking with one voice to the membership. It is crucial for the community to see that the board is united even though they may have differences. 3. BE READY TO DIG IN. You can't run an association without being willing to fully commit to the role. Take the time and make the commitment to give your best effort being a board member. 4. HAVE A BACKBONE. Don't take things personally. You want to remember that while this a community, it's also a business. You want to be able to represent your membership professionally by not taking offense to any insults. 5. UNDERSTAND YOUR FIDUCIARY DUTY. A great board member should know their role and their responsibility to the community. Meet with your fellow board members to go over the concerns of the community, delegate and work together as a team. -Lisa Rayca, CMCA®, AMS® Regional Director Associa Mid-Atlantic 6. START CREATING A STRATEGIC PLAN. A well thought-out plan is a great tool for you and your fellow board members to use as a guide to execute the community's goals. It can also be used to keep your board focused and accountable to the homeowners so that they know what they can expect out of their association. Getting started is the hardest part, so take the first step. 7. EVALUATE HOW THE BOARD IS COMMUNICATING. How does your board communicate with homeowners? Not all owners can attend board meetings, but that doesn't mean they don't want to know what's happening in the association. Consider preparing a quarterly newsletter, posting news on your association website, or giving the latest updates on an app like TownSq. 8. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. So now you're a board member, but don't know anything about replacing a roof or selecting a new landscaper. Take advantage of all the free blogs, ebooks, webinars and seminars offered by your management company to better yourself and your community. Offer these tools to owners as well – most people don't know what it means to live in an association, so providing educational resources helps give insight. -Erica Horndasch, CMCA®, AMS® Director of Business Development Associa Chicagoland BOARD MEMBER BEST PRACTICES 2

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