As a community manager, I can't tell you how many times I have been asked by Boards what they should do to motivate their homeowners. The age old dilemma of how to get the homeowners to the annual meetings or to the scheduled social events never seems to go away. For over ten years I have been asked, “What can we do?” For ten years, I've been trying to find ways to help boards motivate their homeowners, and to date have not developed the motivational magic pill.

Now, let's just say that a motivational pill actually exists….what would the components be and how can Boards make the pill work? It's easy. Issue motivational pills to each owner when they purchase their home with the directions printed clearly on the label: “Take one tablet monthly as long as you own your home, with water at each annual meeting or social event.” Easy, right? Well, not if you hate to take pills! There is always someone who will not do what they are required, requested or obligated to do, so it's up to you to motivate by example. Let's break it down a little closer to home:

M – Make motivation a momentous occasion… celebrate the small things

O – Opportunity knocks when you least expect it… be ready

T – Trust the homeowners… they are the pulse of the community

I – Imagination… let the creative juices flow

V – Vision… don't dismiss your volunteers; instead, experience new ideas

A – Appreciate those who step up to the plate… don't look a gift horse in the mouth

T – Train the homeowners… they need to know what is expected of them

I – Increase communication… use different modes of communication and technology

O – Optimistic behavior is contagious… be enthusiastic about the community

N – Nucleus….the Board is the heart of the community…plant your seeds early and often

Truth be told, homeowners learn by example and Boards need to maintain positive outlooks while encouraging their neighbors to take active roles in the community. So Boards. . . it starts with you! In order to motivate your homeowners, you as Board members need to: plant your seeds early, be optimistic, increase communication using all means of training, appreciate the vision and imagination and, finally, trust your homeowners, making every opportunity a momentous occasion!