It can be very rewarding to be part of the HOA board and help shape the community you live in. However, it can also become a time-consuming endeavor if you’re not careful. There is a lot that the board must accomplish, and it can be easy to let these responsibilities creep into your family time. Knowing how to set boundaries and effectively use the resources available to you can help you to achieve better balance and reduce your risk of burnout.
Create a Schedule. Set aside certain times where you focus on HOA work and getting various board tasks done. Avoid the temptation to work on these things whenever you have a spare minute because you’ll find that there is always something more you can do. While unexpected issues do arise from time to time, many things are not emergencies and can be dealt with during business hours.
If someone approaches you about board business while you’re having dinner with your family or enjoying a concert or other activity, politely let them know that it is not a good time, but you would be happy to get back with them when you’re doing HOA work. Let them know when the next board meeting will be, or how they can submit questions or concerns in writing for review. Keep a separate email address for HOA communications versus personal communications so you’re not always seeing Board work whenever you check your email.
Partner with a Property Management Company. Self-managing the HOA adds a great deal of responsibility to your plate. Instead, look into working with a property manager. They can oversee many of the day-to-day operations of the HOA and field a lot of homeowner inquiries. Plus, they are a wonderful resource and sounding board for when the HOA is dealing with different issues, planning its budget, working with vendors, or considering making changes. A property manager can be an asset to everything from administrative work to management to finances and more.
Delegate Responsibilities. Don’t feel like you have to take on everything yourself as a board member. Let the property manager do their job and make use of HOA committees and volunteers for others tasks. This can allow you to focus on more pressing board issues that cannot be delegated. Know when to take a break and let others step in.
There are many moving parts in an HOA, and Board members are just one component, albeit an important one. But make sure you’re able to do your best work and be as effective as possible by knowing how to find balance so you don’t get burned out or overwhelmed. Learn more about how Kuester can help your HOA with community management by contacting us today!