Particular times and events stand out in my mind as I mature (age; I’ll never grow up).  “Dirty Feet” is one of them. In a former life, I often attended meetings at the BASF plant in Anderson, South Carolina. In the lobby hung a banner that read: DIRTFTET. After numerous visits and much brainstorming, I was at a loss in determining its meaning. Not being shy, I finally asked.

DIRTFTET = Do it right the first time every time. “Dirty Feet” has stuck with me ever since.

Life as an Association Manager is frantic on a good day and more often than not, chaotic. Managers never feel they have enough time in the day and are overjoyed with the small victories – like checking an item off the never ending “to do” list. It isn’t easy and it takes time and focus to do it right the first time every time. But…it’s worth it.

Taking a little more time up front on tasks can and does save time on the back end.

• Feeling a bit snippy? Don’t hit the send button on that e-mail right away. Put it in the drafts folder and re-visit it later in the day. You may just save a round or two of e-mail on the subject.
  
  
• Preparing a Board package? You know your communities and their personalities. Anticipate the questions and provide the answers before the meeting. You’ll be surprised how often you can avoid an agenda item being tabled.
  
  
• Have you been directed to obtain proposals for a project?  It’s easy to send a fax or e-mail blast asking contractors for proposals to paint, replace fencing, etc. Take time up front to think the project through. Without specifics, like material to be used, on-site storage or time frame for example, you are guaranteed to get proposals that are apples to oranges. Ideally, you want to provide the Board with proposals that are more apples to apples so they can make an educated and informed decision. Once again, you’ll see action not inaction.

Life as a Board member is not always a walk in the park either. I know first hand the pressure from your owners to accomplish everything right now and for free. Approving a proposal is not the end of your job. A proposal is not a contract and safety issues aside, you’re well served taking the extra time to do it right. Adding an extra week or two to the timeline in order to make sure the contract you’re executing is the right one will save you money every time. Board members and Association Managers should never assume something is included; they should know it because it is spelled out in the contract.

Commit to “dirty feet”. I guarantee you’ll be a better Association Manager and your Board will be more effective.

Sally Stamper, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, of Property Management Associates, is a 23 year veteran of the property management field. She is a long time member of SEVA-CAI, former Chair of the Programs committee, and current Treasurer of the Board of Directors. In addition to managing a portfolio of associations, she also serves on the Board of Directors in the homeowners association where she resides.