Strong leadership is an essential component of every successful homeowner association. According to the book Leaders, "a manager does things the right way and a leader does the right thing." A leader is someone who not only recognizes the "right thing," but who can also motivate others to help him get the right thing done. How do you recognize who has this special combination of insight and inspiration? Strong leaders should have skills, knowledge, and experience plus the abilities to motivate and command.

A person's suitability should include understanding how the association works and familiarity with significant historical events. Newcomers frequently make superb volunteers. However, there are some situations which call for someone possessing a historical perspective. For example, if the association is in the midst of sensitive litigation or a new management contract, a newcomer might detract by insisting on covering old ground again.

How much interest has the candidate shown in the association and its undertakings? Has there been regular meeting attendance, response to volunteer requests and participation in activities? If not, investigate the sudden interest. Be particularly careful about "one-issue" candidates who run because they dislike a certain contractor or are opposed to a recent assessment increase.

Consider communications skills: Some association volunteers are not particularly articulate, yet are valuable and productive. Leaders should be able to express ideas clearly and persuasively.

A candidate should not have conflicting personal and professional commitments. For example, a candidate may have out of town travel commitments that means spotty participation.

There are personal characteristics that point to strong leadership style. Look for people who display these particular abilities:

Vision - A strong leader understands and promotes the association's best interests. Leaders set goals, communicate what’s needed to achieve them and then move toward them.

An Open Mind - A leader must be able to approach a problem creatively. Perspective is an invaluable leadership tool. A board afraid of change will stagnate.

Enthusiasm - Enthusiasm is contagious. With it, goals are achieved quickly. Without it, the same goals may be entirely out of sight.

Sound Judgment - Has the ability to identify and prioritize issues. A good leader then weighs alternatives carefully before making decisions.

Decisiveness - Taking a stand involves making mistakes. A good leader takes a stand and if an error is made, acknowledges it and makes a course correction. Avoid those that "play it safe". It usually means stagnation.

Sensitivity - A genuinely caring leader inspires confidence in others. Confidence leads to results. Leaders delegate, give and seek constructive feedback. A leader knows how and when to give praise. Praise is the simplest and often the most valued form of reward. A leader knows how to criticize constructively: pointing out what is wrong without attacking personalities. A good leader seeks opinions and ideas from others.

Ability to Take Criticism - No one in a position of power will escape criticism. Leaders have the ability to discern when criticism is valid and when it’s not.

The effective leader has some identifiable styles such as:

Leads by Example - Arrives on time, never shirks responsibilities and demonstrates good work habits.

Solves Problems - Uses knowledge and experience to help get the job done.

Fosters Cooperation - Instills cooperation among volunteers, making it easy for them to pitch in together.

Communicate - Explains, persuades and praises.

Promotes Teamwork - Pitches in along side others.

Practices the Golden Rule - Treats others as equals

Takes Responsibility - Never blames others for problems.

Listens to Others - Uses other’s ideas and gives credit when credit’s due.

A leader can make or break a homeowner association spirit. By considering the strength and qualities it takes to succeed, selecting your President can in a very real way, lead to a more productive and happy community. Choose well, and prosper.

For more on this subject, see www.regenesis.net

Published: May 10, 2000

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Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues. Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at .