Board Members Often Feel Isolated: How we can help

I speak to many, many Board members, and they all seem to think they are unique in the situations they face. After some listening, my first comment is – “Well, you’re not the Lone Ranger. All Boards (or Board members) face < whatever “it” is >. We then go on to discuss ways to tackle the issue. But the bottom line is, that the members think they’re alone, set apart from their community, and sometimes, other Board members.

Serving on a Homeowners Association (HOA) board can be a rewarding yet isolating experience. Board members often find themselves in a unique position, balancing the needs of the community with administrative duties, which can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness or disconnection. If you have a Board, or Board members experiencing this feeling of isolations (and if you don’t now, you will soon!), please share this article with them so they can find support, connect with others, and maintain their mental well-being while serving their community.

Understanding the Role: HOA Board members are tasked with enforcing community rules, managing finances, and making decisions that affect everyone's living environment. Here are some basic steps for connecting the Board's actions to the community, and developing a support base within that community.

Community Engagement: Regularly attending community events is important. Why? When Board members show up, it allows them to connect with residents on a personal level. This face-to-face interaction helps residents see Board members as approachable individuals rather than distant figures.

For those Board members, this is an opportunity to address concerns, ease tensions, and potentially win over skeptics. In community associations worldwide, every Board member plays a political role, whether they realize it or not. They often have to develop political skills as they navigate this new environment. So, you’re not alone in this experience!

Connect with Residents Anytime, Anywhere: Make an effort to also engage with residents outside of community events. Whether you’re at the grocery store, church, or a restaurant, take a moment to say hello and ask how they’re doing. Remember John Maxwell's saying: “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” You might discover that the community genuinely values your presence! Building these connections fosters a sense of belonging for you as a Board member and can shift your role from just administrative tasks to becoming a more integrated community leader.

Open Communication Channels: As a Board member, effective communication is essential. Embrace this as part of your role! Use tools like newsletters, social media, and community forums to spread your message and help residents feel more connected. This approach not only keeps everyone informed but also helps you be seen as part of the community, rather than as an outsider. Communication to the membership is crucial! If you can’t share your ideas clearly, you won’t achieve much.

Listen: This simple action is incredibly important. By listening, you will be seen as a compassionate and understanding individual. Some of the best conversations happen when you don’t say much at all.

Peer Support Networks: What do I mean by this? Peer support groups can help us realize we’re not alone in facing challenges. While it may feel like our community has unique problems, the truth is that many communities encounter similar issues. To better understand that you’re not alone, consider joining industry organizations. Many other associations are dealing with the same types of challenges, and they may have valuable suggestions for resolving difficult situations. Here are just a few thoughts:

Inter-HOA Connections: Many areas have networks where HOA Board members from different communities come together. These meetings can be incredibly helpful for sharing experiences, best practices, and providing emotional support.

If such a network doesn’t exist in your area, consider starting one. I know, starting a network for Board members sounds like a big task! If you don’t have the time for that, don’t worry—there are other solutions I can suggest.

Professional Organizations: Joining associations like Community Associations Institute (CAI) offer valuable resources, workshops, and conferences for Board members. I enjoy this option; I’ve conducted many seminars for CAI chapters around the country, and met many Board members who appreciated my sessions and how much I understood “where they are coming from.”

After these sessions, taught by me or other industry professionals, attendees leave feeling more knowledgeable about their roles and more confident in managing their communities. Interestingly, they also expressed a sense of relief, realizing they weren’t alone in facing similar challenges.

Mental Health and Well-being: This topic is important because your well-being affects how you handle stress, especially as a Board member. While these tips may seem basic they can significantly impact your mental health.

? Self-Care: Recognize the stress that comes with the role. Engaging in hobbies, exercising, or practicing meditation can help you manage this stress. Remember, a healthy Board member is more effective.

? Professional Help: If feelings of loneliness or stress become overwhelming, consider seeking professional counseling or therapy. They can provide strategies to help you cope with the emotional demands of the position.

? Know Your Limits: Being a Board member isn’t for everyone. If the stress becomes too much, it’s okay to step back. There are many ways to disengage from the role, and, if you want, step into a less forward-facing position such as a committee member. The community is important, but so is your well-being. If the role is overwhelming, it won’t benefit anyone.

Leveraging Technology: What can we learn by using our smartphones more effectively? If you want to know more about others in your same position at myriad community associations in your area, or around the world, search for industry-related content. There’s plenty of valuable information out there and it’s all about making connections and sharing experiences. We’re not alone when we share.

? Online Platforms: Use platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or LinkedIn to connect with other Board members. Sharing experiences, asking for advice, or even venting can be therapeutic. Remember, many people feel the same way but may not express it.

? Webinars, Podcasts, and Online Forums: I particularly like this option, as I co-host a podcast specifically for Board members. The discussions address real-time issues facing Boards. Regular participation in webinars or online forums focused on HOA management can provide professional development and foster a sense of community with others facing similar challenges.

Conclusion: It’s common to feel isolated as an HOA Board member, but there are solutions to overcome this feeling. The key is to actively seek connections both within and beyond your community. By stepping out and engaging with others, you’ll find support and share burdens, making your role more enjoyable.

Remember, leadership in an HOA is not just about management; it’s about building community. Every Board member’s well-being contributes to the community's overall health. Encouraging a culture of support and openness can transform your experience from one of solitude to shared responsibility and community spirit.

DO YOU HAVE BOARD MEMBERS THAT COULD USE SOME HELP? HAVE THEM TAKE CAM 101 for BOARDS !?

c. 2024 Julie Adamen, Adamen Inc. all rights reserved