Gossips

I just held my first BOD meeting as HOA President and managed to survive. The Board plans to hold a town hall meeting in September to hopefully help clear the air and dispell so much misinformation and paranoia that exists within the community.

We have three ladies who are the community gossips. Word of mouth is fact and anything written in minutes or newsletters is ignored.

Gossips happen in every walk of life, but I'm not sure how to deal with them while living amongst them and now serving in the capacity as President. These three were not in favor of my being chosen President. At the same time none of them is willing to serve on the board.

Is it possible to address this issue of gossiping either at the town hall meeting or through a newsletter without making matters worse?

I'm concerned about this affecting my ability to perform the duties of president with this constant distraction. I'm counting on the town hall meeting to help with this situation.

Thanks to all who provide some insight.

Joyce:

My opinion is that gossip will happen no matter what you do, I would not address it. It ultimately is up to each individual person who they will believe and by trying to combat it I think you will only lower your credibility.

I would however at your town hall meeting encourage everyone to attend your meetings, let them know that they are welcome to look at your books, meeting minutes, etc. Make it known that there is no shroud of secrecy in what you are doing, and that you want as much participation as you can get. You will get dissenters, we all have them, some more than others. God knows I have a couple of people who hate me, However, you can't let a couple of non-supporters derail your desire to make your association better.

As for the three old ladies, if it ever becomes appropriate I would simply say to them that you respect their opinion about you, however, a majority of the association felt you were right for the position and you are only doing what you were elected to do. I would encourage them to become involved and help, and after that it is on their plate to put up or shut up so to speak.

Thanks!!!! Brian, Brad and Roger.....

Your perspectives were insightful and will keep me focused on the job at hand. That kind of support from this site has been enormously helpful.

one final (from me) piece of advice: the more often the gossips are wrong, and the more often your sources of information are right, the less credibility they have. people will turn to get their true information from the source that is easy, available, and always right.

so, let them gossip. it's just adding rope to their noose.