Community association managers who have been in the business for a few years know what it takes to be a good manager. Problem-solving, analytical thinking, good communication skills are the foundation, perhaps even having an “A” type personality.
Not Just Good – Exceptional
Here are a few traits or skills I have found to be necessary for being an exceptional community association manager.
- A sense of humor: Sometimes you just can’t make up what we encounter in a day.
- The ability to say “no”: Community association managers can’t be everything to everybody, sometimes the governing documents do not give you the authority to help, it is the way you say “no” that is key – and exceptional community association managers are great at it.
- Not taking things personally: The ability to let things “roll off your back” is crucial. We are running corporations and this is business – nothing personal. To separate the two will go a long ways.
- Balance of home and work: We all need to rest, spend time with family, do things that make us happy. Exercise, eat well, get plenty of sleep. You will come back with more energy and brain power the more balance you have in your life.
- Product knowledge: This can be the governing documents, state statutes, local ordinances, best practices, technology – essentially being an expert in what you do.
The list is quite long and not limited to the items on the above list. If you do not have passion, a high energy level and genuinely want to help people, perhaps this industry is not for you.
It is said that if you are in the community management industry for 5 years or more you are a “lifer”. I am now going on my 29th year thinking, how the heck did I get into this? But at the end of the day, I could not be in a better industry. I can say this just about every day.
- 5 Things That Make an Exceptional Community Association Manager - August 8, 2017
Help
Bruce I have a couple more
1. Don’t lie
2. Don’t guess
3. Return phone calls
Congratulations on your 29th anniversary, time flies when you are having fun! I’m a lifer too and I can always count on an eventful day at work.
I enjoyed your article.
Exceptional managers are out there! They build “community”, solve problems, increase property values, and much more. That’s why we created the National Manager of the Year contest 5 yrs ago… to recognize and reward (with a $5000 grand prize) their efforts and expertise, holding them up as an inspiring example to others.
See more at http://www.ManageroftheYear.org
Quite a profound article
Excellent article. I agree 100% with the need for a sense of humor and a work/life balance. Also, as Bob Weir commented, the need to promptly return phone calls is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned (my boss drilled it into me early in my career). Congrats on 29 years! Apparently I’m a lifer too….
Good read, thank you Bruce!
7 years in and still smiling at the end of the day…
(at least most days…)