Dealing With Homeowners Associations

Hearin' Now?

Richard Thompson Dealing With Homeowners Associations

When to speak and when to listen is a challenge we all face. In daily conversations, the greater gift is the ability to listen.

Homeowner associations provide a target rich environment for communications. Board members and property managers deal with irate homeowners that make blood boil. The urge to strike back is natural. The person yelling at you is not only a shareholder in the HOA you serve, but also believes passionately in what has caused their anger. That person is owed a full and fair hearing. Your role in any exchange is to remain calm, listen attentively and discover the key to the conflict before you commit to any action.

Effective listening is the key to dealing with different personality types. Listening without jumping to conclusions can be mastered by even a type-A personality eager to cut to the bottom line. Listening means really concentrating on what another person is saying and not just waiting for your turn to speak. Listen with both your eyes and ears. Let your body language show that the person speaking has your full and undivided attention. Show that you care about their problem.

In the Know

Richard Thompson Dealing With Homeowners Associations

Members of a homeowner association board are charged with directing business and being "in the know". Since board members are usually directors of a multimillion dollar corporation (asset-wise), they should carefully consider all business before acting. HOA business is sometimes fraught with political ramifications so decisions should not be made on the fly.

In some organizations, retreats are used as a way of getting groups to focus on important goals and issues. Retreats are designed to talk about philosophical issues and not to transact business. A retreat needs to be held apart from day to day activities that invariably interfere: ringing phones, the kids’ music and barking dogs make it impossible to focus. Consider gathering in a community meeting room. Libraries often have them available for little or no charge with the advantage of an available copier. Churches are also options.

When it comes to having critical information at hand, a Board Manual fills the bill. The Board Manual is a collection of essential information that can be easily and quickly accessed to respond to questions and emergencies. Some of the essential components include: