by Denise Lash

You never imagined that you would one day be in office, representing the interests of a community of residents. It’s the day after elections and you have been selected as a new board member of a condominium corporation. So how do you get started?

Be Patient. First off, stick with it – it takes at least a few months to learn about being a board member and understand the inner workings of the board and management. Give it time.

Read the Paperwork. Up until this moment you may have put the condo documentation aside, but now is the time to read it. Consider taking the Canadian Condominium Institute’s directors courses. Visit www.ccitoronto.org/Education/default.asp for more information on them.

Make Decisions Carefully. Don’t respond to a situation too quickly—you must be fully informed before taking action. And make sure that before voting on a matter presented at a board meeting, you also have all the facts you need to make a proper decision.

Communicate Often. Do your part to communicate regularly with residents. It may involve writing for the newsletter or speaking at social events or owners meetings.

Get Advice. Contact professionals when necessary. As a board member, you will only be protected from personal liability if you rely on professional opinions. That includes lawyers, engineers, accountants, and other trained experts.

Enforce Wisely. Be cautious when choosing your battles. Enforcement issues will always exist, and as a board member you need to pursue these issues with care. There may be times when you have to consider all options and determine whether the potential risks of imposing a rule or penalty are worth it.

Put Personal Benefits Aside. Act reasonably and respect the needs of others. In most instances you should focus on what is best for the majority and not what is in your best interests. Personal benefits and biases must be overlooked when acting as a board member.

Listen Well. Pay attention to your residents. Listen to their opinions and feedback and let the board give them a forum to express their views.

Accept Criticism. Learn how to take criticism in stride—it comes with the territory. Try to understand what the real message is.

Show Your Appreciation. Be grateful for your volunteers. Acknowledge and nurture those residents who donate their time and energy on committees.

Exhibit Leadership. Lastly, if you expect residents to comply with the rules, then you must also comply. Set the example and others will follow your lead.

Denise Lash is a condominium lawyer with Miller Thomson LLP and host of the television program MondoCondo. Visit www.torontocondoshow.com.

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Contact Laurin Jeffrey for more information