In the intricate web of community association management, where seamless operations and a thriving communal spirit are the goals, the driving force behind success often rests in the hands of the community management staff.
These dedicated individuals juggle an array of responsibilities, from resolving homeowner concerns to orchestrating events and maintaining facilities, all while upholding the unique character of the community. However, the demanding nature of their role can lead to a challenging dilemma: how to maintain the motivation and enthusiasm of these vital team members?
In this blog post, we'll uncover three indispensable tips specifically tailored to keeping community management staff engaged and motivated. By addressing their unique needs and challenges, you can ensure a harmonious, effective, and enduring management framework for your community association.
1) Giving Community Association Managers the Tools They Need
On-board and continuous training are incredibly important. Community association managers are professionals by trade, meaning they hold a degree or certification in their chosen field. This often leads to the assumption that they do not need training; however, every company is different. Every company has a culture and a way of doing business that makes them distinctive.
Community association managers having to constantly just “figure it out” will inevitably lead to frustration and working at a lower efficiency. Those managers who know the company culture and how to navigate the systems they are using are more likely to be productive, enthusiastic and ultimately find more purpose in their work. Being productive leads to satisfied managers, as well as satisfied customers.
Continuous or refresher training is also important, as there is a tremendous amount of ground to cover in the HOA management industry. Skills tend to diminish over time, but refresher training will ensure that managers maintain their wide array of abilities. It also serves as an opportunity for the staff to come together, share experiences, and develop a more cohesive bond.
2) Supporting your Community Association Managers
Community association managers need to know they have the support they need with customers and supporting agencies like a back office. Many times, boards and homeowners will come to their managers out of emotion rather than fact.
Managers try their best to deal with any situation, but some instances are beyond their reach. It is important that staff know that their leaders have their full support and are willing to stick up for them, even if it results in a temporarily uncomfortable situation.
3) Build Camaraderie
Finally, it is important to take time to build a team that is cohesive and wants to be around each other. When team members have to see each other every day, sometimes more than their own families, it is imperative that they get along. This can be accomplished through a number of ways, from vendor lunches (because who doesn’t like free food?) to participating in a team-building exercise that has nothing to do with work. It is important for teams to see each member as the unique people they are and not just community association managers.
Amanda Causey
