Both the Olympics and community association management demand effective communication and teamwork. Olympic athletes often collaborate with coaches, trainers, and teammates to achieve their goals. As a Community Association Manager, we must engage with board members, homeowners, vendors, and other stakeholders to foster a sense of community, address concerns, and make informed decisions. Building strong relationships and promoting open lines of communication are essential for success in both arenas.
Both the Olympics and community association management require resilience and the ability to overcome challenges. Olympic athletes encounter setbacks, injuries, and fierce competition, yet they persevere and strive for excellence. Similarly, Community Association Managers face various challenges such as handling resident disputes, managing budgets, and navigating complex legal and regulatory issues. It takes discipline to remain calm, find creative solutions, and maintain a positive attitude during difficult times.
Comunity association management as a whole requires dedication, discipline, continuous improvement, effective communication, teamwork, and resilience comparable to that exhibited by Olympic athletes. By approaching responsibilities with the same level of commitment and focus, Community Association Managers will have the tools to create a gold medal community, healthy and balanced for all residents to enjoy living in while preserving and improving the value of the community.
Below here are some additional points concerning the comparison between the Olympics and the discipline needed to be a Community Association Manager:
1. GOAL SETTING: Olympic athletes set specific goals for themselves, whether it’s winning a medal or achieving a personal best. Likewise, a Community Association Manager sets goals to improve the community’s operations, enhance resident satisfaction, and maintain the property value all of which are necessary requirements for success. These goals provide clear direction and can motivate a Community Association Manager to stay disciplined and on task in their work.
2. TIME MANAGEMENT: Olympic athletes must carefully manage their time to balance training, rest, and other commitments. Similarly, as a Community Association Manager, you must prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and allocate time efficiently to handle the various responsibilities involved in serving a community. Time management skills are crucial to ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
46 | COMMON INTEREST® • Summer 2024 • A Publication of CAI-Illinois Chapter
3. ADAPTABILITY: Olympic athletes often face unexpected challenges, such as changes in weather conditions, potential injury, or strong competition. In the same way as Community Association Managers we need to be adaptable and flexible to manage unexpected situations that arise within the community. This could include resolving conflicts, responding to emergencies, or adopting new regulations or policies.
4. ATTENTION to DETAIL: Olympic athletes pay close attention to every aspect of their performance from their form to their equipment. Equally, as a Community Association Manager, you must have a keen eye for detail to ensure that the community’s facilities are well- maintained, financial records are accurate, and compliance with governing documents is upheld. Attention to detail is essential to maintain the overall integrity and quality of the community.
5. EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE: Olympic athletes often face intense pressure and scrutiny, requiring them to develop emotional resilience to overcome setbacks and stay focused. As a Community Association Manager, you may encounter challenging situations and difficult personalities. Emotional resilience will allow you to handle conflicts diplomatically, remain composed under pressure, and find constructive solutions to problems.
6. CONTINUOUS LEARNING: Olympic athletes are constantly learning their skills and evolving their training to stay competitive. As a Community Association Manager, you must stay current on industry trends, legal requirements, and best practices. Continuous learning enables community managers to provide effective guidance to the community, implement innovative solutions, and adapt to changing needs in the community association industry.
It is through this mindset, training and discipline that managers can create a thriving and harmonious community for all residents. By drawing on the discipline and lessons demonstrated by our Olympians, we can strive to bring the same level of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to our roles as Community Association Managers.
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