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a·gen·da
a) a list or outline of things to be considered or done. b) an underlying often ideological plan or program
In decades of facilitating, I have flipcharted the following responses dozens of times to the question, "Why did you join this board?" -- To learn new skills -- to give back -- to network -- to meet people -- mission aligns with my values -- to make an impact -- my boss made me--
Lately I am more interested in the answers to "Why do you stay on this board?" Some original answers remain valid for most of us, but what about when you see erratic behaviour from a previously solid board member? The disruption and discomfort caused by rogue directors makes me want to understand their true and new motives.
hid·den a·gen·da
a) a secret or ulterior motive for something
per·son·al a·gen·da
a) a person who has some kind of individual outcome for themself in mind, perhaps in contradiction to what others have in mind for themselves.
When hit with uncomfortable or surprising board situations, I grab for two volumes that have helped me over the years:
101 Boardroom Problems and How to Solve Them by Eli Mina and Taming the Troublesome Board Member by Katha Kissman.
Most often, I just need to read their re-cap of the problem and I already feel better knowing I am not alone in experiencing this; that it's okay to talk to colleagues about it; that there are solutions even if they're seldom easy ones. The impact of certain behaviours and the need to not let them go on too long are also covered. Tell me if you've heard this one before...
"Rebel: ...This board member portrays (themself) as the conscience of the community and a champion of transparency and accountability...(They) enjoy the attention (they) receive and appear to thrive on (their) ability to annoy (their) colleagues. Some board members refer to (them) as a one-person destruction machine." (101, p.48)
"Accuser: This board member reacts to decisions (they) do not like with dramatic allegations of conspiracies and hidden agendas. (They) often accuse leaders of maliciously violating individual rights. (They) often do this based on limited data and without checking all the facts. (They) stubbornly refuse to back off and will not consider reasonable explanations that cast doubt on (their) allegations." (101, p.50)
"Know-It-All: This board member speaks in an arrogant, condescending, and conceited manner, as though meetings are (their) platform to showcase (their) fancy terminology and bring the voice of experience to the uninitiated." (101, p.52)
"Problem: When a board member, who by nature of the position should be a public ambassador for the organization (they) serve, makes critical or disparaging comments about the board, the organization as a whole, or another affiliated person." (TTTBM p.42)
"Problem: When someone commits to board service, (they are) agreeing to the principle that the good of the organization will govern all decision making. A board member's role is to put aside any personal preferences. Something is troublesome when an individual board member fails to recognize or fulfill this duty and attempts to serve (their) own personal interests first. (TTTBM p.46)
Consider my carjacker. I surmise he was motivated by need. He may have needed a vehicle to get somewhere, or he may have needed to exchange my vehicle for cash/ goods to meet other needs. Consider me. I was also motivated by need (I need a vehicle for my livelihood and because others rely on my mobility to meet their needs). I was also motivated by fairness. While our needs may have been equal, I actually bought my vehicle, so it's fair that I should get to keep it.
Here's the thing...I have a far greater respect for the guy who carjacked me than I do for rogue directors working their own agendas without disclosing what bee is in their bonnet to make them behave so disrespectfully and disruptively. You may have served the organization well up to this point but, as Babe Ruth said, "Yesterday's home runs don't win today's ball game." So either step up or step off. You are killing the spirit of great volunteers and staff, and likely damaging the organization. If you come clean on what's really going on with you there is an excellent chance we will forgive and move on. If you don't, we would rather move on without you (hey, you'll probably be happier, too). Peace out
/lmwe
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