5 Tips for Successful HOA Board Members

The roles of Board members are vital to the success of your community association. As Board members, it is your fiduciary duty that the actions and decisions made consistently reflect the best interests of the community and its membership.

1. Be Consistent

It is essential for an HOA Board member to practice consistency. Rule enforcement, Board meeting expectations and regular communication are just a few ways a Board member can practice consistency.

2. Be Open Minded

As a Board member, it is important to have the ability to adapt and change, the willingness to be an open-minded Board member will allow you to look at situations differently and solve problems effectively. Just because something has always been done one way does not mean that is the only way. Listen to residents and try to work with them to find agreeable solutions. Together, with your management team, you can create a positive change that will benefit the association.

3. Be prepared

With the help of your HOA management company, it is much easier to be prepared for Board meetings. While your presence is important, a successful Board meeting requires much more than that. The Board meeting is the time in which the Board discusses important topics concerning the association business and financial affairs. A prepared Board member will review the meeting agenda and related materials before the meeting and reach out to their HOA management company with any questions they may have prior to the meeting. Remember, a prepared Board member is critical to the sound operation of a community association.

4. Be Knowledgeable

Your HOA management company should be a reliable resource that you can lean on to keep you informed on what is happening locally and nationally as it pertains to your association. At AAM, we provide leadership and legislative training opportunities all of our Board members. We understand the importance of staying up-to-date on legal issues and important topics that may impact your association and empower our Boards with the knowledge to effectively lead and make informed decisions. (Board training seminars, CAI, Google alerts for industry articles)

5. Be able to ask for help

Know when to seek outside assistance. A successful Board member will understand the importance of having professional help. Partnering with a professional HOA management company will help protect the community and yourselves as Board members from liability and other legal exposure.