Conflict between HOA board members is not uncommon, but it can lead to debilitating problems when left unresolved. To ensure successful operations, it is imperative to cultivate a culture of respect, cooperation, and communication. When disputes arise among directors, it is imperative to address them promptly and with consistency.
Common Causes of Conflict Between HOA Board Members
Disagreements are a natural part of board service, but certain issues are more likely to create tension than others. When left to fester, these issues can result in HOA board members fighting over matters that should be addressed collaboratively.
Here are the most common catalysts of board member conflict.
1. Different Priorities for the Community
Board members often have different visions for the association. One director may prioritize reserve funding, while another may focus on amenities or beautification projects. These competing priorities can lead to disagreements over how association resources should be used.
2. Personality Clashes
Not every board member communicates or works in the same way. Because of differences in leadership style, communication preferences, or decision-making approaches, boards often experience friction. This can still happen even when everyone has the best intentions for the community.
3. Financial Decisions
Money is one of the most common sources of conflict between HOA board members. Directors may disagree about dues increases, reserve contributions, vendor contracts, capital projects, or expenditures. When financial decisions don’t sit well with all directors, it can divide the board.
4. Rule Enforcement Disputes
Board members may have different opinions about how strictly the association should enforce its governing documents. Some may favor a more stringent approach, while others prefer to be flexible and considerate. These differences can lead to tension when violations arise.
5. Lack of Clear Roles
When board members don’t understand their authority and responsibilities, conflicts are bound to materialize. A director might deal with a vendor individually, make decisions outside of meetings, or step out of bounds in another way, leading to problems within the board.
6. Poor Communication
Misunderstandings often come up when board members fail to communicate openly and respectfully. Conflicts usually arise when directors don’t share important information, make assumptions, or allow minor disagreements to escalate.
7. Personal Agendas
Board members have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the association. Yet, when directors push their personal interests, other board members are sure to step in. When things get out of hand, arguments can turn into full-blown war.
8. Stress and Burnout
Board service can be thankless and demanding. Volunteer directors must often balance their responsibilities with work, family, and personal commitments. Stress and fatigue can make disagreements more likely, as board members become more impatient with each other.
How HOA Board Conflict Affects the Community
When directors cannot work together effectively, the entire community can feel the impact. Here are the consequences of conflict between HOA board members.
1. Delayed Decisions
When directors constantly disagree, it can slow important decisions about operations and finances. Projects can get postponed while the board struggles to even reach a consensus.
2. Reduced Board Effectiveness
A divided board usually spends more time arguing than governing. This can lead to unproductive meetings, as discussions stray to personal disputes instead of addressing the community’s needs.
3. Increased Homeowner Frustration
Homeowners often notice when board members are openly hostile toward one another. While directors might not think it’s a big deal, public disagreements can undermine the board’s authority. Additionally, it can frustrate residents and cause them to lose trust in the board.
4. Poor Vendor Relationships
Board members are supposed to present a unified front when dealing with vendors. But when directors provide conflicting instructions, vendors can become confused. This can damage the association’s reputation and even lead to errors in vendor service.
5. Difficulty Recruiting Volunteers
Owners are less likely to volunteer for board membership or committees when they see directors’ infighting. After all, they don’t want to join an already strained group. Board conflict can make it harder to attract new leaders.
How to Address HOA Board Members Conflict
When disagreements arise, boards should act fast. Nipping it in the bud can prevent problems from escalating and becoming uncontrollable. Here are the steps for dealing with conflict between HOA board members.
Step 1: Focus on the Issue, Not the Person
Board members should separate disagreements about policies from personal feelings. Instead, discussions should focus on facts, community needs, and potential solutions. There’s no room for personal issues or past disputes.
Step 2: Establish Clear Expectations
A code of conduct can help define the standards and expectations for board meetings and communication. For instance, directors must approach each other with respect and professionalism at all times. Collaboration can clear up misunderstandings before they even sprout.
Step 3: Improve Communication
Many disputes result from miscommunication. To avoid this, board members must communicate openly and share relevant information whenever possible. If there are questions, they should not make assumptions. Instead, they should seek clarification.
Step 4: Follow Proper Governance Procedures
Clear procedures can greatly help reduce conflict. Directors should respect the board’s decision-making process and avoid acting independently. Decisions are made by the board as a whole, not by individual members.
Step 5: Focus on Shared Goals
Board members usually have the same objective in mind even when their approaches are different. The goal is to serve the community, so refocusing on that can help bridge any gaps or differences. Compromise is the name of the game.
Step 6: Encourage Respectful Debate
Disagreements are not inherently bad. In fact, differing viewpoints can inform meaningful discussions. Unfortunately, some directors let these discussions descend into heated arguments.
To ensure a healthy debate, all board members must keep an open mind. They must not assume that their opinion is better than everyone else’s. Everybody has something to contribute, and keeping judgment out of the equation can encourage more honest thoughts.
Step 7: Seek Assistance From Professionals
When conflicts are too severe, professional assistance can be helpful. Boards should seek help from HOA managers, attorneys, and mediators. These people can facilitate productive discussions.
Step 8: Respect the Final Vote
Board members don’t have to agree with every decision. That said, once the board has voted, directors should support the board’s decision. Undermining this decision, especially in public, will only diminish the board’s credibility.
Working Towards the Same Goal
While conflict between HOA board members can pose challenges, it doesn’t have to damage the association. More often than not, directors can resolve disagreements with clear communication and an open mind. Remember that boards share the same objective, and disputes will only make that objective harder to reach.
TNWLC offers HOA management services to communities in Washington, DC. Call us today at (202) 483-8282 or contact us online to start your journey!
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