NO LOVE for Board Members.

Hi all,
I know no matter what size your association or the type of complex or community we all have one thing in common as far as being a board member. I know that there are not alot of warm fuzzies or love for the enforcement of rules, regs and CC&rs. I am curious how board members across the country deal with the constant negativity within such a role. Sometimes homeowners take it to a personal level and go that route, others think they are picked on because of rule enforcement. IE, last nights board meeting included a homeowner who did not pay her special assessment by the due date of Jan1. SHe argued with the board feeling she shouldn't have to pay a late fee because.. she never got the notice via mail. Our board sent out two mailings at different times of the year last year and even posted a notice in our common notice area to remind everyone of the assessment. The homeowner stated.. "I didn't live here and didn't see the notice" She insists we remove her late fee. You can see the example and stressful interactions all over a small fee of $12.

How do board members manage to keep a tough skin and enforce, enforce and enforce... when many times there isn't alot of "love/warm fuzzies" for the board ? I personally know how hard it can be at times not to take the board stuff home. How do others cope?

Broad shoulders and thick skin.

I might add, I don't have much sympathy for board members trying to enforce THEIR rules and regulations when they are guilty of breaking State Laws themselves.

Noelle,

I often ask myself why any normal person would subject themselves to such treatment.
My best story is a homeowner last year who was unhappy with our change to a different landscape company. The new landscape company came out to the neighborhood about a week prior to when they were to begin servicing our neighborhood to walk around and make notes.

The homeowner obviously saw the new landscapers out there and told me the very next day that they were VERY dissapointed with the work the new landscapers had done already, as she pointed out rough edges on the grass and uneven mowing. She did not like it too much when I explained to her our current landscape company was still servicing the neighborhood and the new landscapers only came out to walk around.

Sometimes you just need to shake your head and do the best you know how. I have no personal agenda and stick to the CC&R's. I may not be a social butterfly, but I am ethical and do my research on all issues.

I have received some compliments from several homeowners (the ones that show up to meetings) which reassures me I am not doing a bad job.

Robert,

I agree, what you say IS the truth. And I like that quote from Max Weber and I agree it aptly describes most HOAs.

As someone else said, have a thick skin. A board member cannot take anything said about "the BOD" personally. Just do your job to the best of your ability; be fair and unbiased and you should be able to sleep well at night. You can't please everyone all the time so don't even try. Know who the trouble makers are in your community and definitely pay them no heed. Life is too short to let people who are bent on no-good ruin your life! Take this from one who's been there, done that!

Michael,

Very true; however a good board member is careful not to show partiality. Many board members will be lax on enforcment of their neighbors because they don't want to case problems with their friends. This is NOT the type of board member an assn should want. A board member has to always be objective in their decisions. If your friends and neighbors cannot understand this then perhaps they really aren't your friends.

A board should do its best to be polite and respectful to the residents. COMMANDING a resident "to cease immediately...", or ORDERING to appear at a hearing - these are too often excessive measures, with absolutely unnecessary negative attitude. It's too easy for the board to abuse its authority. Enforcing is mandatory, respect is optional - sounds familiar?

"If your friends and neighbors cannot understand this then perhaps they really aren't your friends."

Many times there is no understanding simply because there is not a slightest hint of respect. You respect your friends, so they understand your better. So do the same with other neighbors.

Communication is the key. I personally think that this is one of the million advantages of online forums. Participating in discussions on the forum online is the easiest way to communicate with the community as a whole.