written policy, when followed, should produce definitive results and ensure objectivity in the decision making process. A written collection policy is one common way to improve equality of collections. A written maintenance plan that includes rotation of buildings or units when starting projects is another way to improve equality in an association. Creating, following, and maintaining written policies ensures no single person benefits frequently over others and is one of the best approaches to maintaining equality in an association.
Running an association can expose board members to a broad range of personalities and emotional topics. By listening more and talking less, people will open up and communicate their concerns, and the board will earn their trust and respect. Always maintain a policy of calm and respectful discussion. Note items of concern and try to arrange them into groups to reduce the effort to resolve them. Being a board member requires thick skin and the ability to allow some emotional comments without striking back. In other words, don’t sweat the small stuff. With patience and persistence, the board will prevail in creating a positive and equal experience for both the board and the homeowners.
options that don’t make sense. They may also be able to provide sources of professional education to help improve knowledge in weak areas.
Communication is another good way to prevent problems from happening or amplifying in an association. An important aspect of communication is transparency. It is important to ensure owners understand the problems being faced by the association. Holding board only workshops or making decisions outside of board meetings diminishes transparency and trust. In today’s busy work environment, owner participation in board meetings has been declining as well. Finding other ways to communicate with the community on activities, maintenance issues, and financial conditions - especially in ways that allow the homeowner to seek the information on their timeframe – is a positive move towards improving transparency. Newsletters, websites, email blasts, and mailings are all good ways to communicate with owners. Try to seek solutions to increase owner knowledge and involvement in order to create a more positive community experience.
When problems occur in the community, resolve them quickly. Delays in board decision-making can lead to escalation of association problems. Maintenance issues can get worse and more costly, disputes can escalate turning discussions into lawsuits, and financial shortages can lead to the inability to pay bills. Maintain an action item list for issues raised at board meetings and begin tackling them the next day. Keeping action items in an electronic list helps with prioritizing and updating the list periodically. One way to help resolve action items quickly is to seek the advice of professionals. Utilize vendors as more than just service providers. The best service providers also work with boards as partners to help resolve their problems, even when there is no direct monetary benefit to them. So, whether it is a banker, lawyer, maintenance professional, or property manager, tap into the association’s professional network and get their advice. Many times, they will be able to help with additional options, and assist in eliminating
When trouble starts brewing in an association, make sure the entire board is included in the decision-making process, treat everyone in the community equally, make listening a priority, address problems quickly, and communicate transparently to owners. If these five tips are followed, the level of trouble in the association should be kept to a minimum.
Northern Illinois Largest Independent Landscape Contractor Serving the Entire Chicago Area Since 1983
T
VW
|
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56