CAI-NJ November 2025

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2. The Crucial Role of the Community Manager The community manager is a vital partner in maintaining order. It is imperative that the board and the manager have a clear understanding of their respective roles. The manager is the board’s professional advisor and agent, not a member of the board or a referee for interpersonal disputes. The manager’s role in a professional meeting includes: • Preparation: Compiling and distributing the agenda and board packet. • Guidance: Advising the chair on procedural matters. • Record-Keeping: Taking clear, accurate minutes that document motions and votes, forming the official record of the association’s business. • Execution: Serving as the point person for action items, freeing the board to focus on governance rather than day-to-day management. Formalizing Expectations: The Code of Conduct Hoping for civility is not a strategy, and many times, sim ply exemplifying civility also falls short. The most effective way to ensure professionalism is to formally adopt clear standards of behavior, and to follow and enforce them.

taining all relevant information the board members would need during the meeting. This includes meeting minutes, financial statements, the manager’s report, committee reports, and copies of any bids or proposals to be dis cussed. Including a procedural “cheat sheet” for board members guiding them through the motion process is a simple, yet effective way to maintain a meeting’s flow and professionalism. The Key Players: Defining Roles for Success 1. The Role of the Chair: The Conductor of the Orchestra While every member shares responsibility for decorum, the board president, as the chair, has the most critical role. The chair is not a dictator, but a facilitator. Their primary function is to guide the meeting according to the estab lished rules and ensure the board accomplishes its business efficiently and fairly. A successful chair starts and ends on time, sticks to the agenda, models a calm and respectful tone, and ensures all voices are heard.

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NOVEMBER 2025