5 CHARACTERISTICS OF A GREAT BOARD MEMBER

By Rafael Aquino

Published September 30, 2020  

 

I get asked many times what traits do great board members possess? What does your ideal client look like? Below I've listed the top five characteristics of a great board member/client:

 

  1. Do be afraid to ask for help – Too many boards stay focused on the bottom line, and they forget to ask for help from their professionals (Management, Accountant, Engineer, Attorney, etc.) Don't be afraid to ask a professional for a hand. You are managing a business, so you must be surrounded by great advisors that are willing and able to provide you the guidance you need so you can make the best decision for your community.

  2. Ability to delegate – The best board members know how to delegate and measure outcomes. As a Board Member, your role should be focused on making big decisions while your team executes. However, you must measure the output, so you know you are on track. If you don't measure and track, you may believe that things are getting done when they are not. 

  3. Thick Skin – Board members that succeed in their seat don't take things personally. Further, they know that they can't please everyone in the community. Remember, you are managing a community and a business at the same time.  

  4. Consistency – Boards that have consistency in their decision-making processes, following the HOA/Condo documents, and setting aside ego's or hidden agendas, make for great leaders. 

  5. Positive Feedback – Being a great leader, a significant part of the role, is knowing that you must recognize the team for their accomplishments. Certain board members often focus on what hasn't been done and forget what has been done. Leaders (Board Members) who treat their staff, vendors, and residents with positive reinforcement get more team commitment. If you don't believe me read Whale Done by Ken Blanchard.

 

While many more characteristics of an ideal board member exist, having the five listed above has allowed us to have a fruitful partnership where all parties involved enjoy what they are doing for the community. 


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As the Co-Founder and CEO of Affinity Management Services, Rafael P. Aquino leads his team to redefine excellence. They serve community   associations   efficiently

and effectively with dedication and passion. Rafael’s energy and positive spirit is the foundation of Affinity Management Services’ company culture, which instills enthusiasm and excitement when providing expert advice to its board members and relieving the day-to-day burdens of running a community association.

 

Since 2007, Rafael has developed a work culture that values responsive and high-quality services. He has led his team by following a proactive vs reactive philosophy. The same approach Rafael instills in the day to day operations of each association. Today, Affinity Management Services maintains its success and benefits as a result of the foundation Rafael has built and continues to foster by providing educational seminars, continuing education classes for association managers and board members alike.


Rafael and his team help condominium and homeowners’ associations save money and improve their communities. His calm, personable, and service-oriented nature helps him to establish strong relationships with ease. Rafael is known as a sincere and honest leader who looks out for the best interests of his clients and communities, and he strongly advocates for their needs. His role requires coordination and communication, as such he takes logical and intelligent steps to approach challenges head-on.


As a graduate of Florida International University’s electrical engineering program and a licensed community association manager, Rafael’s education and skills equip him with unique insights to tackle complex problems through critical thinking. He understands how each component within a system works together in order to effectively arrive at solutions, techniques, and conclusions. Therefore, as he manages the multiple challenges of running a community association management company, he understands how each property is its own unique system and tailors’ specific services to assure that all their needs are met.

For more information about Rafael P. Aquino and Affinity Management Services please visit www.ManagedByAffinity.com or call 1-800-977-6279

Doral Office: 8200 NW 41st ST

Suite 200

Doral, FL 33166

Broward Office: 150 S Pine Island RD Suite 300

Plantation, FL 33324

O: 800-977-6279 ● F: 305-325-4053


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