communication. that is the key. Here is an article int he associaiton Times that explains this...
Association Times | Communication - The Key to a Successful Board and a Happy Community 0810
If you are committed to developing and maintaining communication in your association, you will have happy, more content residents and you will see less conflict and apathy. You will have created harmony in the community.
Strong communication skills are not recommended but required for board members. To be effective, you have to deal with conflicts or challenges without expressing anger or loss of control. It is your responsibility, as a board member, to make sure that each owner understands key information.
An example of good communication with your owners is: The west parking lot in your community needs to be resurfaced. You must relay all the information that an owner would need. Give the owners details; anticipate all questions they might ask and leave no question unanswered.