ADHD at Work: Overcoming Challenges as a Homeowners Association (HOA) Manager

The Critical Role of HOA Managers

Homeowners Association (HOA) Managers are the backbone of residential communities, ensuring smooth operations, maintaining property values, and fostering a sense of community among residents. They handle a diverse range of responsibilities, including financial management, property maintenance coordination, rule enforcement, vendor negotiations, and resident relations. Their work ensures neighborhoods remain safe, aesthetically appealing, and well-managed, making them vital to the success of community living.

March 2025, CJ Pringle, ADHD Coach @ Agave Health

Common ADHD Challenges for HOA Managers

HOA management is a fast-paced and highly varied role that demands strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and exceptional communication. These demands can present unique challenges for professionals with ADHD, including:

1. Managing multiple responsibilities

   HOA managers juggle financial planning, vendor contracts, resident concerns, and property inspections. ADHD can make it difficult to track multiple ongoing tasks, leading to missed deadlines or overlooked details.

   
   

2. Time management and prioritization

   With unexpected resident complaints, maintenance emergencies, and board meetings, HOA managers must pivot quickly. ADHD can make prioritization challenging, leading to an overwhelming sense of constantly putting out fires.

   
   

3. Administrative work and follow-through

   HOA managers deal with extensive documentation, from meeting minutes to legal compliance paperwork. Staying on top of administrative duties can be particularly difficult for individuals with ADHD, who may struggle with paperwork fatigue and follow-through.

   
   

4. Handling conflict and difficult conversations

   Managing disputes between residents, enforcing community rules, and navigating board politics requires patience and emotional regulation. ADHD can make it difficult to manage emotions effectively, leading to impulsive responses or avoidance of conflict resolution.

   
   

5. Staying focused during meetings

   Board meetings often involve long discussions with complex details. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with staying engaged, absorbing key points, and remembering action items.

Strategies for HOA Managers with ADHD

While ADHD presents challenges, effective strategies can help HOA managers succeed in their roles:

• Task Management Systems

  • Use a digital project management tool (such as Trello, Asana, or Monday.com) to categorize tasks, set deadlines, and visualize priorities.

  • Break large responsibilities into smaller, actionable steps to avoid overwhelm.

• Time Blocking and Scheduling

  • Set dedicated time blocks for administrative work, resident communications, and on-site inspections.

  • Schedule buffer time between high-energy tasks to reset and refocus.

• Automating and Standardizing Processes

  • Create email templates for common resident inquiries to streamline responses.

  • Use auto-reminders for compliance deadlines, board meetings, and maintenance schedules.

• Visual Cues and Accountability

  • Use a whiteboard or digital dashboard to track ongoing projects and pending tasks.

  • Set up regular check-ins with a colleague or mentor to maintain accountability.

• Managing Meetings Effectively

  • Use a structured note-taking system (such as the Cornell Method or bullet journaling) to stay engaged during long meetings.

  • Set clear follow-up reminders for action items assigned during meetings.

• Emotional Regulation and Communication Skills

  • Practice pausing before responding to difficult situations to allow for thoughtful decision-making.

  • Use role-playing techniques to prepare for tough conversations with residents and board members.

How ADHD Coaching Can Help HOA Managers Succeed

Navigating the diverse and demanding world of HOA management with ADHD can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. ADHD coaching provides customized strategies to help professionals work with their ADHD, not against it.

Coaching can assist in:

• Developing systems to streamline responsibilities and reduce forgetfulness.

• Improving prioritization skills to handle urgent and important tasks efficiently.

• Strengthening emotional regulation techniques for handling conflicts with confidence.

• Building sustainable habits to stay organized and prevent burnout.

If you’re an HOA manager with ADHD, juggling competing priorities, communication demands, and constant problem-solving can feel overwhelming. At Agave Health, our ADHD coaches help you turn those challenges into strengths by building personalized strategies that fit your role and your brain. With one-on-one coaching, practical tools, and a supportive care team, we’ll help you stay organized, focused, and set up for long-term success — without the burnout.