Transform your HOA board meetings into a space of open communication, promote mutual respect, and watch your community thrive.
Nearly every aspect of life occasionally requires effective conflict resolution strategies. Conflict arises when there is a disagreement over opinions or interests. In a HOA board meeting, conflicts can occur frequently, and it is essential to address these situations before they escalate. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps to find the best solution for dealing with an unruly resident.
1) Accommodate the Request.
This approach is straightforward. Based on the request, provide the opposing party with what they need to resolve the issue. This approach will help you address the problem in the short term while allowing you to develop a long-term solution or strategy if necessary.
2) Avoid Confrontation.
Some of you may have experienced hostile behavior from a resident who attends to push their agenda, belittle other members’ proposals, or even make others uncomfortable with their aggressive demeanor. Although one might feel compelled to confront the aggressor, it’s best to maintain your composure to ensure a respectful interaction. Remain focused on the issue, avoiding personal emotions during this discussion.
3) Set Limits and Expectations.
If poor behavior persists, and if applicable to your meeting protocol, remind attendees that each member wishing to address the board is subject to a time limit for their comments in fairness to other attendees. The board and staff are encouraged to recognize that they can choose whether to respond to or act on comments received from members. Allowing sufficient time for follow-up research is warranted and should be expected.
4) Face-to-Face Conversation.
There could be a situation where the hostile party doesn’t even realize their actions can be hurtful or annoying. They may have no clue that others consider them a bully. That’s why it’s always best to discuss the issue face-to-face in a private setting. A quick conversation could end a misunderstanding before it gets out of hand.
5) Stick to the Facts.
If a quick in-person conversation doesn’t do the trick, rely on facts rather than opinions. Sometimes an unruly resident can derail a meeting. Being prepared with facts can get the meeting back on track, ultimately allowing you to push forward on the meeting agenda and become an effective and efficient board member.
Using facts in discussions also builds the trust of your colleagues and meeting attendees. Utilizing data and statistics is far more compelling than relying on personal opinions.
The board should strive for peace and harmony within the community. If a respectful and calm discussion does not lead to a satisfactory resolution and crucial information seems to be overlooked, it may be beneficial to seek guidance from your association's legal counsel.
Following these five strategies will help your board hold productive meetings and communicate effectively. Strong communication is key to fostering a dispute-free environment for an HOA. You don’t have to do it alone—contact us to learn how we can assist you.