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10 Signs You’re Cut Out for the HOA Board

Board members are elected officials who are responsible for an association's affairs and running the community. This responsibility isn’t a small matter, and the board of directors can make the difference between the community’s success or failure. The following are 10 signs that you're cut out to be the newest member of your HOA board.

  1. You’re a leader.

Board members are the leaders of an association. As an elected official, your fellow neighbors trust that you'll represent them well and always act in the best interest of the association. You must be able to work within your authority, recognize your strengths, and use them for the good of your community.

  1. You have a passion for community.  

People who serve on their association's board of directors do so to make a difference and get involved in their community. You must be willing to volunteer without compensation and view this as an opportunity to serve your neighbors and enhance the community's assets.

  1. You can be objective. 

When performing board duties, it’s essential to leave your personal agendas at home and avoid conflicts of interest. As a director, you have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the association—not yourself or another individual—even if it goes against your personal preference or doesn't benefit you directly. 

  1. You value relationships.  

As a board member, you must spend time nurturing relationships with your fellow neighbors. This will personalize leadership, build trust, and show that boards do more than enforce rules and measure budget performance. Positively connecting with residents will significantly impact governance and make the community a better place to live.

  1. You’re tenacious.

Sometimes, board members have to make some challenging decisions. While these decisions aren’t always popular, you must be able to stand by your choice, defend it with facts, and not take negative remarks or resistance personally.

  1. You’re a good mediator.

When residents disagree, board members may have to get involved and find a resolution. To do this, it’s crucial you’re a good listener, calm, and remain consistent and fair, even when tempers flare.

  1. You have a student mindset.

Board members aren’t supposed to be association experts day one. They should take the time to learn about local and state laws, governing documents, and how and why the association operates the way it does. The more you know, the better off you'll be!

  1. You’re a team player.

Boards need to make decisions as a group, and even if you're in the minority, you should always support the decision of the entire board. No board member is more important than another, so the ability to disagree respectfully is essential to the success of the community.

  1. You’re strategic.   

The board is responsible for maintaining assets, solving and preventing issues, and preparing the community for a strong future. The most successful boards operate as a business and need a strategic plan to hold members accountable, track progress, and recognize areas that need improvement.

  1. You’re reliable.

It’s essential you make yourself available and attend all board meetings. You should always show up prepared and ready to make informed decisions for the community.

Being a board member can be tough, but it's an extremely rewarding experience. If you have a lot of these qualities and think you’d be right for the job, check out our post, “Want to Serve on Your HOA Board? Make Sure You Know the Basics” to learn more.