Spring is finally here! Along with the change in season come longer days, warmer weather, baseball (how about them Mariners!) and community association board elections. If you are a board member, or manager, of an association with a newly constituted board of directors you have an opportunity to take a simple step that will set up your community for success in the coming year. It is a one-time action that is guaranteed to continue to pay dividends for at least the next 12 months. Best of all, the process costs nothing (other than 3 – 4 hours of time). What is this magical elixir? A board retreat. I know what you're thinking, "Huh, we have monthly board meetings, why would we take time for yet another "bored" meeting?" Because this meeting is a workshop designed to set the vision, direction and goal of the board for the next 12 months. The board will designate three or four specific objectives to accomplish for the upcoming year, which will result in proactive, focused and results-oriented leadership. A board has numerous ways to set the agenda for the retreat. Here is one suggestion: • Create a vision/mission statement that is relevant to your community. • Use your vision/mission statement to identify and determine the validity of tasks taken on by the board. • Set specific short term and long term goals to be completed in the coming year (be focused—don't overreach). • Develop an annual agenda, parsing out the short term and long term goals to be completed throughout the year. • Determine if committees can be helpful. • Assign a single person to be responsible for each item with agreed upon reporting and communication protocols. Monthly board meetings can then follow the vision and plan established at the retreat, which results in focused and accountable management of the association. Annual retreats/workshops are a proven tool for success in the business and non-profit worlds that can work in community association governance. They are a no-cost, high yield instrument for success. With a season of change and transformation in the air, now is the time for your association to schedule and conduct a board workshop. read more