Less Stress & Better Relationships: A How-To Guide for the HOA Board

Can the HOA improve relationships within the board, and with the community?

1. If Board Members aren’t communicating, you’re doomed from the start. Strive for respectful, responsible communication.
2. Communicate with homeowners and residents through the HOA website, email blasts, newsletters, and social media. Be sure to read our series on Social Media in the HOA to ensure the HOA Board is using the platforms responsibly.
3. Enforce the rules, guidelines, and governing documents uniformly and equitably. However, be reasonable to certain circumstances when and if possible while still upholding the community governance.

How can the HOA Board reduce stress for individual members and/or overall board stress?

1. Step one – Breathe!  When a board member or community resident is heated at a board meeting, remember that the topic at hand may not be the real issue. Take a deep breathe and try to understand where the individual is coming from, or if there are previous disruptions, ineffective communication, or a strained relationships at play.
2. Don’t take anything personal. When residents or board members are upset about a new rule, for example, remember that you didn’t personally make that change. Decisions were made through due diligence of the board. You may feel like the punching bag sometimes, but you are not the problem. Oh, and see above – breathe!
3. Enroll homeowners to serve on a committee. Homeowners that serve on association committees become part of the bigger picture. Service may invoke a sense of pride, accomplishment and community. Be sure to recognize your volunteers.
4. Remember to rely on your HOA Professionals such as: community manager, HOA management team, HO accounting team, HOA attorney, HOA Collections support, association contractors and governmental representatives.Contact Planned Development Services for more guidance on improving the internal communications of your HOA Board.