Contributed by Kanani Kaopua, PCAM
A strong foundation of support and mentorship can make for exceptional managers, carrying them through the toughest of times and helping them thrive in this industry. For those just starting out, with the right guidance, this career can take you farther than you ever imagined.
Few community managers dreamed they would dedicate significant time and energy to a career in community association management. In elementary school, teachers would ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most of us would write down traditional careers like doctor, lawyer, or actress.
Today, the landscape of childhood dreams has shifted to include social media influencers, video game programmers, and software tech experts. Never in a million years would I have imagined entering my 16th year as a community manager. I can humbly say my success is largely a result of learning from my failures and, most importantly, from mentors who guided me along the way.
The concept of mentorship in our field is critical, especially as the demands of the industry evolve. My personal journey began unexpectedly when a close friend — already five years into her community management career — saw potential in me. At the time, I had just lost my job as a flight attendant. This friend, who would soon become my mentor, recognized my customer service skills could help turn me into an exceptional manager. Without her belief in my capabilities and potential, I wouldn’t be serving as a senior vice president today.
This mentor did more than show me the ropes of the profession. She taught me how to manage my emotions and frustrations and how to grow from challenging situations. Whether dealing with difficult boards or taking on larger properties, she was always my cheerleader. When I completed a board packet a week early, she was there to celebrate that win with me. When it was time to prepare for budget meetings, she was the voice of calm, reminding me to plan ahead.
Her support did not end with technical skills. She also was there for the emotional aspects of the job, which are often the hardest. The actual work of community management can be difficult, but the real challenge lies in dealing with people. She helped me navigate the diverse personalities of board members and homeowners, and ultimately helped me grow into an exceptional manager and industry leader. Yes, I put in the hard work, but I always knew I had her in my corner whether it was to run through a problem or brainstorm solutions for a unique situation.
As I mentor the next generation of managers, I hope I can be as impactful to them as she was to me. In this fast-paced era of social media where immediate responses are expected and being on call 24/7 has become the norm, the challenges are greater than ever. The expectation isn’t just about doing the job anymore; it’s about being present for every single board member at any hour of the day.
While expectations have grown and shifted over the years, one thing remains constant: Mentorship makes for exceptional managers.
Kanani Kaopua is senior vice president at Hawaiian Properties Ltd., in Honolulu and immediate past president of the CAI Hawaii Chapter.
>>A version of this article was first published in CAI’s Community Manager newsletter. Read more from the November December 2024 issue today, and find more tips about effective mentorship in community associations in “Lead On” from Common Ground magazine.
