Andrew Jeanny addresses the challenges and strategies that will help build a better bond between managers and board members.
As the community management industry grows, so do the challenges faced by community managers in their day-to-day tasks. One of the most important tasks is managing the relationship between board members and managers. REM Times spoke with Andrew Jeanny, Community Manager at Better Communities, to gain insight into some common challenges that arise in this relationship and how to address them effectively.
According to Andrew, communication is the key to addressing the main challenges between the board and managers. "For the Owners Committee to understand what you as a manager are trying to do, correct and precise information must be communicated to the board members. Effective communication leads to trust, and trust leads to results," explains Andrew, who has been in the industry since the year 2009.
To foster collaboration and trust between the board and the manager, Andrew suggests being honest and ethical. "A manager should always be ready to answer any questions from the OC, work ethically, have the correct information, and always be aware of policy, laws, and operational aspects," he adds. He also emphasizes the importance of being flexible with board members and being ahead of every situation.
When it comes to preventing and resolving conflicts between board members and managers, clear communication is again key. "As a manager, your role is to provide that confidence to prevent any miscommunication or interpretation of information which may lead to conflicts. I have always had a straightforward open book policy to allow board members to voice out their concerns," he elaborates.
Andrew emphasizes the importance of being proactive and results-driven when it comes to addressing fundamental disagreements or differences of opinion between the board and the manager. "The board does not have time to hear so many excuses and procrastination as to why as a manager you have failed to do a task, they want results. At the end of the day, a manager should have a result-driven attitude," adds Andrew.
In conclusion, effective communication, honesty, ethics, flexibility, and being proactive are all crucial elements in managing the relationship between board members and managers. By following these strategies, community managers can foster collaboration and trust, prevent and resolve conflicts, and ultimately achieve successful outcomes for their communities.
