Running a successful community association is a lot like running a professional football team. Both require strategy, teamwork, and clearly defined roles. In football, the players and coaches each have distinct responsibilities, yet they share a common goal. Similarly, with a community association, the board of directors and the management team play equally distinct but complementary roles, working together toward the “win” of a well-maintained, financially sound, and harmonious community.
The Players and Coaches: Board of Directors and Management Team
In the world of community associations, the board of directors and the management team function much like the players and coaches of a football team. Each has distinct roles, yet they must work closely together toward the same goal. The board is on the field, making the official calls that shape the course of the community. They set priorities, adopt rules, approve projects, and allocate resources, much as players execute the plays that determine the pace and direction of the game. Board members also serve as representatives of the owners, inspiring confidence and providing leadership just as star athletes lead their teammates.
Management operates alongside the board in the role of the coaches, providing the strategy, expertise, and coordination that help the plays succeed. They help to develop plans, advise on legal compliance, oversee maintenance, prepare budgets, coordinate with vendors, among many other roles. While the authority to make final decisions rests with the board, many of these functions are shared responsibilities, with management offering the operational know-how and day-to-day oversight needed to put the board’s vision into action. When board and management collaborate effectively, the team is positioned for success on every down.
The Playbook: Governing Documents and Best Practices
Both players and coaches rely on a playbook, and in a community association, that playbook consists of the governing documents, applicable laws, and best practices. Knowing the playbook is critical for avoiding penalties and keeping the team moving forward. A football player who does not know the plays risks losing yardage; likewise, a board or management team that does not follow its governing documents can create costly setbacks for the community.
The Goal Line: A Thriving Community
Ultimately, both the board and management are working toward the same goal line – a thriving community. In football, the championship is the prize. In a community association, victory looks like a neighborhood that is attractive, financially stable, and enjoyable for everyone who calls it home. Achieving that requires strong communication between the board and management, and with the community members, and a mutual understanding of what success means for the community. When run properly, there is mutual trust that each party will fulfill its responsibilities without unnecessary interference.
Winning Season After Season
When players and coaches respect their role and perform it well, the team has the best chance of winning. The same is true in community associations. By understanding and embracing the unique contributions each brings to the table, boards and managers can help ensure a well-run, vibrant community for its members and residents.
Reprinted with permission from Community Associations Institute – Michigan Chapter
