How to be a good board member: 10 essential tips

What is an HOA board?

An HOA board is the elected group of homeowners responsible for managing the business affairs of a community association. In Minnesota, this typically includes overseeing budgets, enforcing governing documents, maintaining common areas, and making policy decisions that impact all residents. The board represents the collective interests of homeowners and operates under Minnesota HOA laws, the association’s governing documents, and the community’s bylaws.

This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their association’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

Board member roles and duties

Each HOA board typically has officers with defined roles:

• President: Leads board meetings, signs contracts, and serves as the board’s spokesperson.
   
• Vice president: Steps in when the president is unavailable and assists with ongoing initiatives.
   
• Secretary: Keeps minutes, maintains records, and manages meeting documentation.
   
• Treasurer: Oversees financial management, budgets, and reserve funds.

In addition to officer roles, every director is responsible for participating in discussions, voting on motions, and staying informed about the association’s financial and operational health.
 

How to be a good board member

Serving on the board means representing your entire community, not just your own perspective. Here are a few practical steps you can consider following to be a good board member in any Minnesota association:

1. Understand your governing documents

   The first step in learning how to be a good board member is to know the policies you’re enforcing. Your declaration, bylaws, and policies outline the powers of the board and the rights of homeowners. A good board member refers back to the governing documents often, especially before creating new policies or making enforcement decisions. Property management partners can also help interpret provisions and align board practices with Minnesota statutes.
    

2. Focus on the community’s long-term goals

   Good board members look ahead by reviewing reserve studies, planning maintenance schedules, and preparing for capital improvements. Keeping long-term goals in mind helps avoid short-term decisions that could harm the community’s finances or appearance. Try asking questions like: “How does this decision affect the community five years from now?” and “Will this project maintain property values?”
    

3. Practice effective communication

   Part of learning how to be a good board member is learning how to communicate. Strong communication helps residents understand what the board is doing and why. A good board member listens carefully and responds with clarity. Sharing timely updates keeps homeowners informed and prevents confusion. When conversations stay respectful and focused, it builds trust and strengthens relationships across the community.
    

4. Stay objective and avoid personal agendas

   Learn to separate personal opinions from what benefits the community as a whole. Board decisions should be based on facts, governing documents, and professional advice, not personal relationships or preferences. Good board members also respect the will of the majority once a vote is taken, even if they disagreed during discussion. That sense of unity builds confidence in the board’s leadership and helps prevent division.
    

5. Be consistent in policy enforcement

   When policies are enforced evenly, without favoritism or exceptions, residents see that the board is acting in the community’s collective interest. If an owner violates a policy, the board should follow established procedures, give proper notice, and document all communications. This approach shows that actions are grounded in respect for all residents equally.
    

6. Consider partnering with a professional management company

   As mentioned previously, being a board member is no easy task. That doesn’t mean you can’t ask for outside help. By hiring a professional Minnesota property management company, you can have a weight lifted off the shoulders of the board, alleviating many of your pain points. This way, you can set important boundaries between the board and the association manager. For example, the role of the board is to set policies and make policy decisions. The role of the association manager is to support and enforce those policies while taking care of the daily operations of the association.
    

7. Commit to ongoing education

   Part of being a good board member is staying informed about changes in best practices and laws like the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act. Attending board training sessions, reading association publications, and seeking guidance from experienced professionals all contribute to better governance. The more a board member learns, the more confidently they can lead and represent their community.
    

8. Be respectful

   Keeping this in mind is very crucial to your success. There may come a time when decisions need to be made but board members disagree, and perhaps heatedly so. Maintain a respectful tone even if you have differences. You not only have to continue working together, but you also live in the same community. Animosity can hurt the board’s standing among community members.
    

9. Be encouraging

   Encourage residents to get involved with the community by volunteering to be on a committee. Boards that are overloaded with tasks could consider creating committees for architecture, security, social events, landscaping, etc. The board must follow the guidelines set forth in the governing documents when creating a committee. Remember that committees are tasked with completing the legwork, providing their findings, and making recommendations to the board in writing.
    

10. Say thanks

    A little “Minnesota Nice” will go a long way with your fellow board members and homeowners alike. Show your gratitude often and you’ll be repaid in the form of a friendly, healthy community. Take the time to thank your residents for following association guidelines and making an effort to keep your neighborhood a great place to live.

Board membership has its challenges, but if you stick to a few basic principles, you’ll foster a culture of openness and success in your community. Never allow your integrity to be compromised. Stay calm in the face of conflict and challenge. Put the community’s needs above your own. Be thoughtful and deliberate in your decision-making. Avoid “back-room” deals and maintain a culture of transparency. And most of all, listen and be willing to work with others. Loaded with this information, and by working closely with your fellow board members, your tenure as a board member should run smoothly and be productive.

To learn how FirstService Residential can support your Minnesota community's vision, contact a member of our team.