Contributed by Angela Ford, TreeFree Software
As a Property Manager for years, I got the hang of determining, right away, the anatomy of a strong collaborative Board. When I started my firm, I was excited to work for anyone… not an ideal growth strategy. As we stabilized, I wanted to select great fits for my team. I wanted them to stick with our firm. (Good people tend to seek jobs with less stressful environments!) From the first meeting with a potential new client (the Board), I could determine if this was a strong Board. Great Boards of Directors tend to run great associations and make great clients! Is your Board made of these kinds of personalities? You tell me:
The Career Executive – whether retired or currently in the position, this person understands time is money and tends to remove the emotion from decisions that must be made. He/She quickly accesses the true situation at hand and like to stick to the facts. He/She is also very sensitive about time and helps assure the promptness of meetings and decisions.
The Detailer – Someone who enjoys keeping records, is quick to create a sign-up sheet and doesn’t mind taking notes, posting signs, etc. They tend to work WITH the Property Manager and act as eyes and ears signage being removed, etc.
The Experienced Contractor/Handyman – It’s always good to have an OWNER justify the expenses for repairs or quotes. When no one on the Board understands the true costs of repairs/maintenance, it tends to be an uphill slog when the Manager presents estimates for ANYTHING!! This member adds a trusted voice of reason and helps matters move forward.
The Cheapskate – The grumpy, frugal holdout is good for the Board. Once this person finishes scrutinizing everything, if they vote for the improvement, the Association feels comfortable they got the best bargain. There’s nothing wrong with bargain shopping, but it has to end with everyone feeling whole.
The Young One – The new young and idealistic homeowner that gets involved is a sign of the future! They have ideas to keep the Association modern and attractive to new purchasers. They encourage electronic communications and social media. Moving forward is always a good thing!
The Respected Elder – This person keeps you from repeating mistakes of the past. They serve as historians for the best the Association has done. They know where the hidden closets are in the basement and when the elevators were last overhauled! With all the playbooks from the past in their head, as a Property Manager, you can certainly win!
The Reluctant Member – This is the introvert that joined the Board for reasons other than power. They tend to remain neutral as factions form in Boards. They tend to vote, strictly for what’s best for the Association. When most often, the more aggressive members push their agenda, the reluctant one serves as a good barometer for what is REALLY best for the Association.
Of course, I look for an odd number of Board Members to eliminate ties. I also listen to each member talk about their concerns for the Association. If the members talk to each other respectfully, you know you have a group that is capable of working well together and then with you.
This list may seem obvious, but I assure you, it’s not! When it does not make sense for us to work with a Board of Directors, we recommend our website tool instead. What do you think? Do you know these people?
Angela Ford
TreeFree Online