By Lydia Pelliccia and Matthew Green, CAE
Community association managers who hold and retain the CMCA credential demonstrate they are accomplished professionals committed to developing their skills and knowledge by participating in ongoing continuing education coursework and professional development opportunities year-round. There are numerous and varied opportunities for CMCAs, ranging from college degrees and coursework to conferences, professional coaching, community workshops, seminars, symposiums, and webinars.
These offerings cover a wide range of topics, including community association management operations, administration, legal requirements, accounting, human resources, and public administration, which ensure community managers are up to date on all aspects of this growing profession that undergoes frequent shifts in laws, regulations, and best practices.
“The commitment to continuous learning is a testament to a manager’s dedication to professional growth and excellence,” said CAMICB Board of Commissioners member Jennifer Andal, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, who is the Director of Better Communities in Dubai. “This commitment enhances their credibility within the community, as residents and board members recognize the value of a manager who remains current in their knowledge and skills. Professional credibility facilitates more effective communication and a greater capacity to positively influence community dynamics.”
Andal explained that managers are essential in creating and sustaining harmony within residential communities. “In a profession characterized by evolving legal frameworks, dynamic interpersonal relations, and a demand for effective leadership, the continuous pursuit of knowledge is paramount.”
The more managers pursue professional development opportunities, the easier it is to adapt to change. “Continuous learning ensures that managers stay updated, allowing them to align their strategies with the latest standards,” added Andal. “This adaptability is vital for effective communication, enabling managers to speak with authority and relevance, thereby enhancing their credibility.”
Steven Shuey, PCAM, CCAM, who is a retired Management Consultant, explains that ethics is an important issue for managers. “The best way to understand the ethics of the profession is to stay educated in all aspects of our work,” said Shuey. “New laws are emerging state by state. Staying current helps keep managers ethical by knowing – and following – what laws and procedures are changing.”
Don’t Overlook Opportunities That Hone Soft Skills
Effective communication skills, leadership, crisis management, and conflict resolution are all skills that require flexibility and nuanced approaches. Seeking out and embracing ongoing learning opportunities in these areas position CAMs as experts and leaders capable of fostering a positive and thriving community environment.
“Polished communication skills empower managers to interact with residents, board members, and external vendors, conveying information clearly, resolving conflicts diplomatically, and fostering community unity,” said Andal.
Andal explained that continuous learning equips managers with tools for crisis management and conflict resolution. Mastering these skills enables managers to navigate challenging situations gracefully, preventing the escalation of issues and maintaining a healthy community atmosphere.
“Continuous learning, including leadership training, empowers managers to positively influence others within the community,” said Andal. “Acquiring knowledge about leadership styles, motivation strategies, and team-building techniques allows managers to cultivate an environment that encourages collaboration and growth.”
In addition, it’s important that managers take advantage of more informal learning opportunities, such as networking and social events. These are excellent opportunities where colleagues share ideas and innovative approaches to solving common and uncommon problems. These gatherings often allow managers to connect with others who are particularly steeped in specific topics, such as the latest use of technology or legal happenings on the ground.
Finally, Andal noted, “In the dynamic landscape of community association management, the pursuit of knowledge emerges as the pathway to success and a lasting impact for these dedicated professionals.”
Resource Corner
Making use of the wide variety of professional development resources available to managers is critical to staying on top of industry news, events, and any changes arising in the profession. Below is a sampling of industry resources.
CAI – The CAI website (www.caionline.org) and local CAI Chapters also offer an array of resources, networking and professional development opportunities. To find a local chapter go to: https://www.caionline.org/Chapters/Pages/Find-A-Chapter.aspx. Your local/state chapter will also offer specific opportunities that will impact your community and specifically your state. For example, in California opportunities may be state-specific to drought, wildfires, the Davis Stirling Act, etc.
CAMICB – CAMICB recognizes a variety of Continuing Education (CE) opportunities for CMCA credential renewal, including webinars, courses, and conferences. CAMICB also value the contributions made through volunteer work in the community association sector. Volunteer hours, such as serving on association boards or engaging in advocacy efforts, are accepted as part of a manager’s continuing education. CAMICB’s website offers guidelines on the types of CE activities that qualify for renewal. For inquiries about the eligibility of a particular course or activity for CE credits, please visit www.camicb.org or contact CAMICB at info@camicb.org.
CAI Exchange – An online forum that allows members to collaborate and connect with colleagues. These informal discussions are extremely helpful in sharing innovative approaches to common and uncommon situations as well as best practices and advice.
Other Formal Training Programs – Companies like Adamen, Inc. (https://community-association-management-101.thinkific.com/), a national consulting and employment firm specializing in the community management industry, offer online training programs for managers that range from topics specific to managers, boards, and accounting staff.
SmartBrief – SmartBrief is a free resource exclusive to CMCA credential holders. This weekly snapshot of both industry and CAMICB news will more informally keep you up to date on trends and changing laws in the field of community association management: https://www.camicb.org/Pages/Smartbrief.aspx
Continued Professional Development and Growth Ensures Homeowners, Employers and Colleagues of Managers’ Ability to Provide Exceptional Service is the second in a series of articles, produced by CAMICB staff, that delve into the important issues and topics affecting community association managers.
Lydia Pelliccia is a freelance writer. Matthew Green is executive director of Community Associations Managers International Certification Board.