Pursuing ongoing education for HOA board members has plenty of merits. It can sharpen the skills of board members, place them on the same page, and improve relations within the community. However, many associations have difficulty accessing ongoing education, often relying on tradition and the old habits of those who came before them.
The Benefits of Ongoing Education for HOA Board
Ongoing education refers to the process of continuous learning. For HOA board members, it means learning new skills and improving upon existing ones to help community operations, decision-making, and resident satisfaction.
Far too often, though, board members minimize the importance of ongoing education, choosing instead to follow established patterns and strategies, no matter how outdated they are. While ongoing education is not typically mandatory, it should be a permanent component in every HOA’s arsenal.
Here are the benefits of pursuing ongoing education for HOA board members.
1. More Confident Decision-Making
Board members are volunteer homeowners, which means they don’t always possess the skills, experience, and qualities typical in corporate leadership. Oftentimes, this leads to timid or uncertain decision-making, with board members doubting their capabilities. With ongoing education, board members are better equipped to face the challenges and complexities of community leadership. They can better arm themselves with the right tools, knowledge, and skillset necessary for successful management.
2. Understand Everyone’s Role
It is crucial to understand how everyone fits into the narrative and hierarchy of homeowners associations. Board members usually have roles to fulfill within the community, each one with specific duties and responsibilities. Pursuing ongoing learning can help board members understand their roles and how they can contribute to the larger picture. Moreover, they can get a better understanding of the roles of their co-leaders, allowing them to work together more efficiently and effectively.
3. Align Perspectives and Strategies
Board members must present a unified front to promote harmony and build trust within the community. When board members aren’t on the same page about issues and strategies, it often leads to discord and disagreements. With continuous education, board members can align their perspectives, goals, and techniques. They can agree to adopt similar strategies and mindsets to better tackle community management.
4. Improved Communication Skills
Some people are born as great communicators, requiring no effort to stay connected and keep others informed. However, for a large majority of people, especially those who don’t have corporate or leadership experience, communication comes as a challenge. Ongoing education allows board members to improve their communication skills. This helps them improve relations within the board itself as well as the community at large.
5. Stay Current
Industry trends, technological tools, and best practices can change over time. One of the best ways board members can remain up-to-date is to pursue continuous learning. Attending seminars, consulting with professional organizations, and reading up on valuable publications can help keep board members in the loop. This allows HOA boards to better lead their communities and stay on top of operations.
Resources for Continuing Education for HOA Board Members
Board members have plenty of materials they can rely on to further their learning. From workshops and online courses to certifications and publications, here are the tools and resources for ongoing education for HOA board members.
1. Workshops, Seminars, and Talks
There are many organizations that offer in-person workshops, seminars, and talks. These events typically cover a wide variety of topics, ranging from self-management to legal issues. Apart from learning from experts, board members can also attend these events to network with their peers in the field.
2. Online Courses
Not everyone has the time or luxury to attend in-person events. Fortunately, online courses and webinars offer a convenient and remote alternative. With these courses, board members can still learn from industry experts and professionals even while far away. Many organizations and companies offer training programs that board members can easily access online. As with workshops and seminars, online courses and webinars also tackle a wide range of HOA-related topics.
3. Professional Organizations
Professional organizations usually offer a vast selection of resources for HOA board members. These organizations connect board members with industry experts, educational materials, and networking events. Board members can join these organizations and reap the benefits they provide.
A staple in the HOA industry is the Community Associations Institute (CAI). Local chapters of CAI exist in many cities, offering everything from ongoing training and networking to an HOA board leader certificate course and resources. This organization also holds vendor expos, classes, and conferences.
4. Board Member Certifications
Not all states require board members to undergo certifications. However, there are some states that have regulations requiring certification or education for board members. These include California, Florida, and Nevada, which have specific recommendations or mandates for certifying board members.
In these states, board members may be required to go through certain educational programs or certifications. These ensure that these leaders possess the needed skills and training to carry out their duties properly.
5. Peer Learning Groups
A peer learning group can greatly help board members, especially ones who are new to leadership. These groups are informal networks consisting of fellow board members. These board members connect through the group to share their insights, advice, and experiences.
While professional organizations and resources are still more credible, peer learning groups have a lower barrier to entry. They also provide valuable support, sharing common challenges, best practices, and pertinent information. It’s also a good way to build a network within the industry.
6. Industry Publications
Many companies and organizations within the industry send regular newsletters or publish articles related to HOA management. Subscribing to these publications can help board members stay in the loop and improve their leadership skills.
How an HOA Management Company Can Help
Partnering with an HOA management company offers several advantages, including better access to ongoing education for HOA board members. Here are the ways an HOA management company can assist with continuous learning:
New Board Member Training. Management companies provide training for new board members, giving them a crash course on everything they need to know. This helps new board members feel more confident about their skills and role within the community. It also gives them a better grasp of their responsibilities and how they can fulfill them effectively.- Access to Resources. Management companies usually provide board members with access to plenty of resources. These include online courses, workshops, seminars, newsletters, and industry experts.
- Expert Guidance. Management companies offer expert advice and guidance to board members when it comes to strategies and decision-making. Since professional managers tend to have more experience and expertise, board members can lean on them for assistance.
The Case for Ongoing Education
The benefits of ongoing education for HOA board members are clear and abundant. Whether or not requiring it for board members is the best way to go depends on individual associations. However, as it can greatly help with decision-making and management, ongoing education should at least be an option for board members. After all, it is not difficult to gain access to resources that would help board members pursue continuous learning.
Clark Simson Miller offers expert HOA management services, including HOA consulting services, to homeowners associations and condominiums. Call us today at 865.315.7505 or email us at help@csmhoa.com to get started!
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