Setting goals is one of the best ways to make a real impact in a homeowners’ association. While it is important for boards to plan—and act on—goals that enhance community living, it’s equally crucial to track progress throughout a goal’s lifespan. This will help you identify what you need to do to achieve your vision for a better and more successful community.
At CMA, we have decades of experience helping boards set and reach significant goals for their communities. Our board goal-setting series offers free resources, so you can set goals, track progress, and meet milestones. In our Goal Review Worksheet eBook, you’ll get the tools you need to evaluate your goals and make sure you’re on pace to meet them.
By evaluating goals regularly, you turn action into intentional progress, keeping your board’s efforts aligned, effective, and meaningful. Use this opportunity to celebrate what you’ve accomplished, address any challenges, and maintain your motivation to meet the objectives you’ve set. If your goals need changing, don’t hesitate to adjust them so they’re properly aligned with your vision.
Additional Resources
Check out our other worksheets to help you through your goals journey. These templates let you develop your ideas further and streamline for maximum efficiency. Work through them in the order that they were released for maximum results, starting with our:
SMART Goal Setting
SMART stands for:
- Specific. The goal must be well-defined and specific. Confirm everyone has a clear understanding of the goal, knows why it was set, who is involved, what should be accomplished, and the proposed timeline.
- Measurable. Having a measurable goal helps you track progress, correct the plan of action if needed, and demonstrate advancement to residents.
- Achievable. Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable. Work within your resources of time, effort, and money. Setting the bar too high might leave board members feeling defeated and frustrated and residents unhappy.
- Relevant. Is your goal important to maintaining or improving your community? Will achieving it make a difference? Is it something most residents want?
- Time-based. Set deadlines. If it’s a long-term goal, break it into phases with deadlines for each phase. Also, take into account board members’ availability and their own time commitments.
While it’s OK for boards to have broad visions for their communities, those aspirations are just starting points. Focusing your ideas, creating practical steps, and establishing a timeframe to achieve them is key to making a real impact. The SMART method is an effective way to help you do just that.
Goal Brainstorming Worksheet
In our first installment, you’ll find a Goal Brainstorming Worksheet complete with tools to get your started on goals and tips to encourage idea sharing. HOA goals can be broken down into three categories.
Annual goals are set every year to maintain operations, compliance, and adequate funding. Improvement goals are related to maintenance projects and general upkeep of the community. Communication goals improve transparency, collaboration, and resident engagement. Because every association is unique, review your governing documents, know your budget, and consider homeowner priorities before developing strategic plans.
Examples of HOA goals include:
- Prepare the annual budget by a particular date.
- Remodel the community pool deck.
- Create a formal complaint process.
- Invite monthly speakers for community events.
- Find a more affordable option to replace an overpriced vendor.
- Invest in technology that allows homeowners to pay fees online.
Goal Planning Worksheet
Here, you’ll find a Goal Planning Worksheet that’ll allow you to act on your goals strategically, with a focus on detailing the work that needs to be done to achieve them.
This worksheet creates an overarching execution plan that acts as a roadmap to achieve your goals. For each goal, fill in five specific action items that must be completed, which board member is responsible for each step, and when it must be accomplished. Once you’re done you’ll have actionable steps, assigned responsibilities, and realistic deadlines ready for all your board’s objectives!