THESE Diamonds are NOT Forever! What HOAs learned from 007

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., CCAL

This article first appeared in the CAI Nevada Chapter’s Community Interests, February 2026 Issue.

A well-run world only needs a James Bond because there are others who would harm or even take over the world… and are HOAs any different? Diamonds may be forever, but some problem leaders are not diamonds and certainly seem to STAY forever until they are brought under control. Let’s review those characters, and, yes, thank you to Ian Fleming- who knew HE would be a key HOA educational resource!

Goldfinger – (Goldfinger, 1964)- Some owners only want to focus on the money. A “Goldfinger” owner talks about cutting costs and “holding the line” on assessments, and never wants to spend any money. Goldfingers often are board treasurers or presidents. They can be devasting to HOAs as they- 1) Instruct the manager what the budget increase should be, before waiting to hear what actual costs are anticipated in the new year (“target-based budgeting”); 2) Refuse to support reasonable annual assessment increases to track increasing costs and inflation; 3) Oppose funding the reserves to offset ongoing deterioration of assets; 4) Pushes to defer maintenance expenses; 5) Oppose consultants or experts of any kind; and 6) Only considers the lowest bidder, without regard for the content of the bid or the bidder’s reputation. Such leaders harm their HOA through their dogged focus on the short term while sacrificing the association’s near and long-term financial needs. They need to be encouraged to look at the entire economic picture, not just the next six months.

Dr. No (Dr. No, 1962) – Dr. No, with his relentless metal hands, is the “hands-on” leader. Dr. No handles all things personally, from repairing wiring to supervising construction. The “Dr. No director” often thinks they are far more expert than they truly are, and doesn’t realize that their volunteer immunity under the Business Judgment Rule may not extend to activities outside of their governance role. So, their work, paid or free, as a gardener, handyman, or project manager, may actually be exposing them to legal liability. The Dr. No director needs to be reminded that they were elected or appointed to make decisions and not to act as electricians, carpenters, or groundskeepers. The experienced and credentialed CAI managers are there to help the HOA board retain quality vendors to do the work authorized by the board.

Mr. Big (Live and Let Die, 1973) – In “Live and Let Die” Mr. Big was the dictator of a fictional Caribbean island. Some HOA leaders also act like dictators, forgetting that board governance means the board makes decisions, not any one director. The Mr. Big director often is far outside the corporate process, leaving themself exposed to possible personal liability for decisions not actually properly authorized by the board of directors – and also can be in jeopardy of falling outside the Business Judgment Rule. The other directors must insist that Mr. Big not go off on their own and wait for board authorization on things.

May Day (A View To A Kill, 1985) – May Day, in “A View To A Kill,” was played by Grace Jones, probably one of the most intimidating women I’ve ever seen. Some volunteer leaders get what they want by bullying and intimidation and can be every bit as destructive as a dictator, because other volunteers quickly become discouraged. May Days should not be put in leadership positions because they are often prone to become a Mr. Big as well… and boards should insist on civility as a rule. A rude and bullying director needs to be held accountable for their unneighborly behavior.

Jaws (Moonraker,  1979) – Jaws was played by Richard Kiel, who was over 7 feet tall, but it was Jaw’s metal teeth that really made him stand out as a villain. Unfortunately, some volunteers can also destroy a meeting just with THEIR jaws. A variety of techniques can rein in the overly talkative director, such as using a consent calendar, adopting meeting rules, or even privately counseling them that they need to hear what others think. Also, all directors should learn to “read the room.” If a motion is clearly favored or opposed by the board, there is no need to speak on it, and it’s OK just to call for the question, vote, and then move on. Most board meetings run too long anyway, and Jaws often can play their part in unduly lengthening meetings.

Oddjob ( Goldfinger, 1962) – Last but not least is Oddjob, the frightening assassin with the deadly bowler hat with the metal rim. With a flick of his wrist, Oddjob decapitated his opponents with that flying hat. In the healthy HOA, there is no place for Oddjob. Lashing out and attacking other neighbors is never acceptable behavior. Boards should adopt a civility pledge, such as CAI’s model Civility Pledge. The Oddjob director often is angry and lashes out because they feel attacked when someone disagrees with them. They need to be guided to understand that disagreement is not disrespect, and that unanimous votes are not required around the board table.

Want to truly be a DIAMOND of a director? Spend some time in CAI’s library of board governance educational resources – and you’re on your way!