Managing Board Members: A CAM’s Guide to Working with Others

Written by Heidi Hensell

September 9, 2025

Introduction
1. Set Expectations Early
2. Stay Neutral and Professional
3. Communicate Clearly and Often
4. Be Solution-Oriented
5. Respect the Chain of Command
Promote Transparency and Accountability
Be Prepared and Educated
Final Takeaway

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Being a Community Association Manager (CAM) often means stepping into the shoes of a skilled diplomat. Board members, after all, bring together a range of personalities, priorities, and communication styles. So how can you—calmly and confidently—navigate these dynamics while building trust and efficiency?

1. Set Expectations Early

Begin any new board relationship by clarifying roles, responsibilities, and workflows up front. Lay down mutually understood boundaries so everyone knows what to expect—from meeting cadence and decision-making protocols to your communication style and availability.

2. Stay Neutral and Professional

Boards may face internal disagreements. Your role isn’t to pick sides—it’s to keep interactions factual, objective, and grounded in the community’s best interest. Consistently modeling professionalism builds long-term credibility and trust.

3. Communicate Clearly and Often

Proactive communication is your ally. Provide regular updates, financial summaries, and reminders so the board always has accurate context. According to best practices, transparency helps board members stay informed about projects, finances, and community developments.

4. Be Solution-Oriented

Board members come with challenges. Your role? Present options and solutions—supported by facts, data, or vetted contractor recommendations. This transforms you from a problem notifier into a trusted advisor.

5. Respect the Chain of Command

Avoid favoritism or one-on-one bypasses. When decisions require collective input, adhere to established processes. Following governance protocols ensures fairness and helps maintain organizational harmony

6. Promote Transparency and Accountability

Encourage clear, well-documented board operations. This includes posting meeting agendas in advance, documenting minutes, and ensuring board decisions remain accessible to residents. A transparent board fosters community trust.

7. Be Prepared and Educated

Good CAMs come informed. Show up to meetings confident in your knowledge of governing documents, local laws, and contractual expectations. Industry experts underscore the importance of ongoing education for all stakeholders—managers and board members alike—for effective governance

Final Takeaway

Managing board members isn’t just about organization—it’s about diplomacy, clarity, and steady leadership. By setting clear boundaries, maintaining objectivity, communicating proactively, and modeling governance best practices, CAMs create smoother workflows, stronger relationships, and well-functioning communities.