CAI-NJ Mar.2020 (w) (1)

DIFFICULT BOARDS... from page 38.

without board approval or sharing confidential information outside of the board room, it may be time to have your association’s attorney step in. In closing, board member educa- tion is key. Encourage board mem- bers to take the CAI courses for Homeowner Leaders. Share articles found in Community Trends ® that may

pertain to a topic being discussed within your community. Remember, all relationships take work and being on a board is no different. Once the board begins to come together as a team, the work becomes fun and the benefits are seen in happy homeown- er feedback and participation in their community’s success. n

to ensure the meeting is productive. All members should be active in the decision making and one person should not be dictating to the group. The choices you make may not be the most popular. Exhibit to the homeowners that you have performed your due dili- gence and have done all the necessary homework to come to an informed deci- sion. If you come to an impasse, use your professionals to render opinions to help with decision making. Once a decision is presented to the owners, the board must present a united front. If the homeowners get a whiff of discord amongst the board members, you will be now faced with homeowners who become difficult because they have lost faith in the board’s ability to make good decisions. The reasons for difficult behaviors are not always clear cut, and personal conversations with a board member or members that are difficult could solve the problem. Asking and getting a truthful response is better than suffering in silence. It could take a lot of time to work out the kinks. Set guidelines and time limits for workshops and board meetings. Keep the meetings on track and keep an open items list. Most importantly, listen! Let points being made be heard, even if there are opposing sides to the discussion. Ask for clarification on directives so every- one understands. Use diplomacy, as everyone (including managers, board members and homeowners) deserves to be respected. If you find there is a board member who is going rogue by way of authorizing work to be done

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