In the world of community associations, seeking guidance and clarity is crucial to maintaining a harmonious and well-governed environment. However, observing how some boards and residents let their association suffer due to a lack of proper guidance, reluctance to seek professional advice, and overlooking the importance of nurturing professional relationships is disheartening. As a management professional, I am compelled to address these issues and shed light on the significance of working with experts in the field while fostering a healthy dynamic between community association managers and the board. This article aims to emphasize the importance of seeking professional advice, empowering managers to express their expertise, and promoting open communication for the betterment of community associations.

Community managers oversee day-to-day operations and ensure compliance with governing documents. However, it's essential to understand that they are not legal experts and should not be solely relied upon for legal interpretations. The board and residents are responsible for seeking professional advice from qualified attorneys specializing in community association law.

Engaging a qualified attorney is vital to address legal matters effectively. Community associations require specialized legal knowledge to navigate the complexities of governing documents, statutes, and regulations. The management partner you work with must provide attorneys with a deep understanding of community association law. Further, your management partner should deeply understand the board's culture and residents to provide legal partners that either work well with the board or challenge the board to move in the right direction.

One common reason cited Boards do not seek professional advice is the perceived expense. However, it's crucial to understand the potential long-term costs of relying on misguided information or making uninformed decisions. Associations must view professional advice as an investment that can save them from significant financial and reputational damages caused by incorrect interpretations or poorly managed contracts.

Establishing a relationship with a community association attorney is an investment in the association's success. Attorneys well-versed in community association law can provide ongoing guidance, review contracts, offer legal opinions, and help navigate legal challenges. By working with an attorney who understands the association's unique needs, boards and managers gain the confidence and knowledge necessary to address issues effectively.

The relationship between community association managers and the board is vital to the successful operation of the community. Boards must recognize managers' expertise and experience and value their insights and recommendations. Managers, in turn, should feel empowered to express their opinions, even if they differ from the board's initial inclination.

Community association managers are responsible for acting in the association's best interest as a whole. This may involve challenging the board's viewpoints, presenting alternative options, or highlighting potential risks. By balancing their obligation to the board with their professional duty, managers demonstrate their commitment to maintaining the community's integrity and long-term success.

Trust and open communication are crucial to foster a healthy professional relationship. Boards and managers must encourage honest dialogue and value diverse perspectives. Associations can make better-informed decisions and effectively address challenges by creating an environment where differing opinions are welcomed.

Community association managers should continuously invest in their professional development. Staying updated with industry developments, attending educational opportunities, and obtaining certifications are essential for managers to provide the best guidance to the board. By expanding their knowledge, managers can contribute even more effectively to decision-making.

Community association managers should be encouraged to exercise their expertise, offer objective guidance, and challenge the board when necessary. By nurturing a culture of trust, open communication, and mutual respect, boards and managers can work together to make well-informed decisions that benefit the entire community. Let us embrace the notion that a robust professional relationship relies on all parties' collective wisdom and collaboration.