dealing with difficult board membersdealing with difficult board members

You can do a chiropractic adjustment with some board members and educate them; others not so much. We offer New Yorkers who want to make a real change in the nonprofit world an unrivaled selection of board options and advice on selecting the right one for them. A healthy, vibrant charity can self-destruct with alarming speed by the actions of just one very determined troublemaker. Learn from our team of fundraising and technology experts. Rather than vague generalities like You obviously dont care about the organization anymore, be specific. At the most basic level, board members and directors can always fall back on the standard. But poor ones - or heaven forbid, destructive ones - can cause incredible turmoil and even threaten a nonprofit's survival. Board members may start doing this with each other, and it builds a board culture that makes the productive and positive people feel valued, while the toxic person gets squeezed out. Finally, as you move past your point of contention, take time to debrief and reflect on the steps you can take to avoid a similar situation in the future. While it is helpful for board members to have the knowledge and ability to problem solve, an individual who exhibits a know-it-all attitude can come across to others as overbearing and conceited. [order] => DESC What do you do? So far, so good. Similarly, when there is a toxic board member, the organization can't move forward. They determined the three most prevalent board performance problems: dysfunctional group dynamics; disengaged board members; and, most importantly, uncertainty among board members about their roles and responsibilities. [search_columns] => Array You need to ignite them and work to convert them to high performers. A dead weight board member is one thing, but if your entire board is dysfunctional that's quite another. I guess I would have to understand a little more about how they are being difficult. Knowing how to deal with problem board members is the key to finding success even when personality traits crash and opposing opinions collide. Dealing with Difficult Board Behaviors - Dennis C. Miller Greg McRay is the founder and CEO of The Foundation Group. Where do they have concerns? Effective conflict resolution requires time, patience, and flexibilitysometimes in massive doses. BoardAssist has been responsible for bringing over $200 million into the nonprofit community through our board placements over the last 23 years. A bunch of execs who think the company is theirs to operate as they see fit. Rationale: a. I would encourage you to speak with an HR or Organizational Development Professional who can offer specific advice for framing conversations like this. It will need to be handled in a professional, tactful, and non-abrasive manor. They typically resort to threats or aggressive comments. If a NY online retailer uses a CA manufacturer, do we need to collect CA state tax? The number is often low. And one more thinga passionate stand on one issue does not a troublemaker make. They have just seen their B+ colleagues get all the spotlight and can see the value they can bring to the organization. For more on conflict resolution, see our past article,Avoiding Bedlam in the Boardroom, which provides a more in-depth guide to managing conflict. Joan Garry is an internationally recognized champion for the nonprofit sector and a highly sought after executive coach for CEOs of some of the nations largest orgs. Maybe that is true, maybe not. But that is different. The board doesn't trust me. When the conflict resolution process threatens to go off the rails, strive to establish common ground by remembering points of shared agreement. First, remember that each director was careful identified and recruited onto the board, to fill a specific need, so they should be treated well and recognized as the asset they are to the agency. With expert insights, practical strategies, and bonus resources like the Board Attributes Checklist and the Board Composition Matrix Spreadsheet, youll be well on your way to a brighter future for your nonprofit. ( I have worked And its a tough one. Your email address will not be published. Find out what 25,000 other nonprofits already know! Ive seen firsthand, both on the boards Ive personally served on, as well as with thousands of clients we have served over the years, most such conflict can be resolved without having to remove a board member. , President & CFO Lets keep going. While we might all like to cast aside the possibility of an overreaching and difficult board member in our organizations, even the most well-run nonprofit boards will deal with difficult board members at some point. Give the other person a chance to process your information and talk. , which provides a more in-depth guide to managing conflict. Describe the unacceptable behavior you have experienced, using specific examples, including time and place, Describe how it hurts the board and the mission, that it has increased over time and has become a distraction from the mission and activities, Provide specific feedback obtained from other directors or garnered via annual reviews, or other sources, Make it clear that certain behaviors will not be tolerated (if appropriate). Dealing with difficult members - Jurassic Parliament And you will spend more emotional energy with your B board members and your clients or your cause or your art, and you will find yourself with more gas in your tank for the work that matters. Sometimes the number is zero. I have asked clients if they were to start from scratch, how many board members would they keep? The work the world is counting on you to do. The president said My expectation of the board member is to do what the President asks in order to do the best for the homeowner members. Difficult people. We sincerely hope you never have to use it! Difficult board members may feel less threatened or attacked when working with a mediator. My People Have Arrived! This strongly relates to how boards are recruited and onboarded, says Garthson. Sometimes, it is useful to bring in an external third party to facilitate this kind of conversation. BoardPro's top tips for dealing with difficult board members Here are the steps to follow: I cannot stress too greatly how important it is to follow each of the above steps. The director in question shall be given an opportunity to address the Board before a vote it taken on their removal.. Hear them out. However, as much as we hope for a gloriously harmonious experience, conflicts may arise, and difficult board members can present challenges. But then, something starts to subtly shift. The goal is not to create, or increase existing conflict, but to find common ground, and move towards resolution even if this means removing someone from the board. This can have its own challenges if a more effective or experienced board member joins the board and perceives the executive director as holding too much power and responsibility. Six Types of Difficult HOA Board Members - Association Management A lack of answer, says Humphrey, is telling. But human nature being what it is, conflict will happen. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Make a motion to change by-law disciplinary procedure to subject the sender of any email or other communication among board members to a disciplinary procedure for uncivil communications. Or maybe the one who seems bent on creating drama and cannot be trusted to be straightforward in disagreements. Tips for Handling Toxic Board Members DeLeon & Stang Partner This act can often create deep conflict among school board members as well as district administrators and principals. When you give attention to positive behavior, the toxic person is more likely to shift course to get the recognition he/she craves. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. BoardAssist, a New York based nonprofit corporation, is the leading personalized board recruiting resource available to the tri-state nonprofit community. Chances are, it wasnt one thing. It can even take the form of nefarious intent. The bane or boom of many nonprofit executives' existence: board members. Shirley: I'm sorry you have to go through this, I would have a conversation with the president to clarify expectations. He is registered with the IRS as an Enrolled Agent and specializes in 501(c)(3) and other tax exemption issues. Frankly, your president sounds like a bully. ) [s] => [sentence] => Develop and use comprehensive human resources practices in board recruitment, says Picot. I agree with Blair that a meeting with the board member might be in order (assuming the Chairman/woman is OK with it). It belongs to the shareholders/private owners. An executive director cant manage the board chair, says Sutherns, but can talk with other board members (particularly a governance committee) about what is going on. Yup. If you wind up having to walk away, you want to be able to do it with dignity and with your reputation intact. With more high-performing board members getting appreciation and feeling valued, you know what dead weight board members start to feel like. This is not the time for an executive director to go it alone and approach the director in question. Converting B+ to A board members. Sometimes your leadership and communication style or overall approach may not fit well with each of the directors on the board. [post__in] => Array But then, something starts to subtly shift. You need to focus on the board members who have potential and have not yet ignited. [subpost] => After all, no one should want a room full of yes people serving on the board. Make a point to listen to their point of view. Often, it is a lot easier to prevent these problems than having to deal with them once they rear their heads. Arm board allies with good governance resources so they can see where the board is dysfunctional, says Humphrey. The CharityLawerBlog is brought to you by Caritas Law Group. Are you dealing with a difficult or toxic board member? [no_found_rows] => I ask a series of questions that help nonprofit leaders, board, and staff understand that they dont have terrible boards. ) While boards can offer a variety of challenges to an organizations staff, one key problematic area is the relationship with the executive director. "Our BoardAssist candidates have been amazing additions to our Board of Directors.". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Most states require you to register your organization if you solicit donations from their residents. In this case you would need to consider modifying your approach if you want to retain this director, and create a better working relationship, or work towards replacing this individual on the board. Ask the board to clarify roles and set strategic priorities and governance policies, says Humphrey. Group dynamics and interpersonal relationships can go wrong in any sector or situation. Email [emailprotected] 4 Tips to Dealing with a Difficult HOA Board Member - TownSq [m] => Thats the question Tom Okarma poses to us in this weeks cross post from Toms terrific blog. Do your bylaws include any mention of expectations, and/or how to resolve this situation? This strategy makes them FEEL like dead weight and they begin to self-select off. Tom Okarma is a product of the south side of Chicago and currently resides in the greater Chicago area. [minute] => The challenges and tensions of being a board member in difficult times But dont try to do this alone. ) [lazy_load_term_meta] => 1 How to Deal with Difficult HOA Board Members Decide on a course of action. ( Nonprofit organizations thrive on the dedication and commitment of their board members. These steps should help make these difficult conversations more productive and, dare I say, easier! On the other hand, the board is widely regarded as a problematic institutionunderperforming boards are the norm, not the exception. The same article likened boards of directors to monarchy in a modern, democratically governed state, contrasting their important work with the fact that much of their value comes simply by existing. You do not have a terrible board. For todays purposes, we are going to place all these folks, Toxic, Overstepping, and MIA in one bucket. And it does. I wanted to enjoy jet skiing instead of enduring it. [meta_value] => (As another board member, I perceived nothing disrespectful out of board member with the questions) . Watch informational webinars and attend industry events. Reach out to other nonprofit leaders in your circle of advisors and colleagues before taking specific action. Spectrum Association Management Wins Best Places to Work. He or she will usually attempt to recruit allies on the board, often targeting weaker, less-informed board members. Get DEI resources from respected and experienced leaders. So whats a frustrated and outnumbered executive director or board chair to do? He does such a great job of pointing out the gaps in our strategy while remaining positive and supportive of our mission.. Heres the big lesson for today. He or she will usually attempt to recruit allies on the board, often targeting weaker, less-informed board members. When board members make decisions without following proper channels or without considering previous members decisions and goals the results can often be disappointing. You dont have to be a saint to serve your community. One of the most important roles you have, as part of a board of directors, or as the executive director of a nonprofit, is to help identify and vet new board candidates. In many cases, you have to go back to their orientation: they dont understand their role or it may have been explained wrongly (or wrongly from the EDs perspective). She adds, It also has to do with board recruitment. Create space for problems to be talked about, says Sutherns. Here are some conflict resolution strategies that can be employed: As soon as you witness or become aware of the issue, contact the person and have a frank discussion about the issue. He has over 30 years of varied and progressive experience in the insurance industry, rising from claims representative to small business owner to Chief Executive Officer. Why? As Picot reminds us, Were all human and we all bring baggage that has nothing to do with our roles and responsibilities. If you are dealing with not one person, but a veritable mutiny, it is possible that you cannot win. Tips for Avoiding Conflict in the Boardroom. Likewise, issues can ensue when members breach confidentiality or participate in activities that constitute a, Critical concepts for resolving conflicts with difficult board members. Boards of directors, by law, hold nonprofits accountable to the broader community through what are broadly described as duties of loyalty and care. Feign ignorance if necessary. But, and this is key have the discussion in person. Could it be that this person is right about an issueand everybody else wrong? To minimize the likelihood of future conflicts and problematic board members, consider implementing the following measures: Dealing with difficult board members in a nonprofit can be challenging but if the situation arises, you must know how to deal with it to maintain a productive environment. But you dont want a decent board. Quieter conflict exists on school boards across the nation: a board member or members who abuse their power or have in some other way departed from the board's purpose. ( function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} Confront . Sometimes, that can lead to conflict that is uncomfortable, unproductive, and even contrary to the organizations best interests. The Bully You can easily spot the Bully by how other people behave around them. A board should work more like a cooperative not a dictatorship. The worst thing you can do is send an email with a list of offenses and start an email war. Bring in a third-party where necessary or recognize that funders may ultimately step in to hold boards accountable for their dysfunction. And vola, you have raised the bar for successful board service. If conflict resolution strategies have been exhausted and the board member continues to be problematic, your hand may just be forced. Offer you studied advice and counsel. Dealing with Difficult Homeowners | Elite Management Services So whats a frustrated and outnumbered executive director or, When the conflict resolution process threatens to go off the rails, strive to establish common ground by remembering points of shared agreement. How can we engage them outside of the Board room to keep the director meetings productive? But, by successfully shoring up your base, you can render that person ineffective. Some bylaws require a unanimous vote of the other members; some require a particular offense to have been committed; some have other requirements. Some Fed officials favored hiking rates in June, SEC charges former View CFO with negligence-based fraud, CFOs shouldnt let high rates hold them back. Stating it was from the committee, but we new nothing of it and he hadnt asked us. At the end, we even provided some sample language that can be included in a nonprofits bylaws to facilitate the removal process. The first step is for a trusted resident or board member to discuss the . Right where you want em. If you can't justify your position, don't assume you are "right" and others are wrong. ( A = rockstar who initiatesB = willing to do something if askedC = dead weight, B+ = you can imagine them being an A if onlyB- = they are just north of a C. I promise you that when you finish this exercise, you will see that you dont have a terrible board, and referring to it that way is a problem. Do damage control. People seem like jerks often because we dont know their stories. And not in a good way. This is a last-resort type action, and doing it right matters greatly. Ive sat on boards with people who certainly made things challenging, but often that is a good thing. HOA board members are usually fulfilling their positions on a volunteer basis, which means theyre using some of their free time outside of work and family obligations to better their communities. Is that why there is a perception they are "difficult"? b. Home Board Members Dealing with a Difficult Board Member. Hear the person out and weigh their considerations. How to Deal With Difficult Board Members - BoardAssist Coming to agreement on what a conflict is about is like untangling a ball of yarn. If a director is just being difficult because its their personality, then its up to the Chairman of the board to speak with the individual and resolve their differences. ) Why? You need to look at them as individuals. This selfish outlook often includes ignoring the communitys input, making decisions based upon what benefits themselves most, and ignoring the advice and ideas given by other board members. Whether your board member does not perform his or her assigned roles, has a bad attitude or has done something to cast a pallor over your organization, dont wait to discuss it with him or her. Chances are, you will have one serving on your nonprofits board of directorsif not now, eventually. James R. McCormick Jr., a partner at Peters & Freedman LLP in Encinitas, Calif., who represents associations, is currently advising two associations on the issue of bully board members. A pretty good board, a decent board, a better than average board, a Grade B board has ONE-THIRD dead weight. Humphrey was ready to leave an ED job after six months when the board chair asked her to provide a Top 10 list of things she would change. List out the outcomes you need to see, in terms of behaviors. Sit down with board and explain any lack of clarity about expectations. If the board chair doesnt stop sending me those nasty emails I swear Im going to quit! What happens when one driver hijacks the car? Garthson acknowledges that this situation often leads to staff or board members voting with their feet. Listening doesnt mean you will take their side, but it shows them you respect them as a member of the board. Even toxic people want validation. The orientation goes well and each new director is excited to be joining the team. If you intend to fight, use every weapon available, but fight cleanly. Bottom line is you cant tell someone they are dead weight. [author__not_in] => Array [ignore_sticky_posts] => , CFO Reach out to other nonprofit leaders in your circle of advisors and colleagues before taking specific action. Is Your Association Ready for a Recession? To schedule a consultation with Ellis, call 602-456-0071 or email us through ourcontact form. Board members have the duty to exercise reasonable care when making decisions as stewards of the institution; they are expected to actively participate in organizational planning and decision making and to make sound and informed judgments. A recent article in NonProfit Quarterly described it this way: On the one hand, boards are touted as a decisive force for ensuring the accountability of nonprofit organizations. Rehearse the conversation ahead of time to help smooth out the tougher points. More on how to have that difficult discussion below. What to do, though, if this person really is the problem? Ellis also advises donors with regard to major gifts. If the organization at large is mostly unaware of the conflict, keep it contained by dealing only with those it has affected. Make every effort to maintain unity with the rest of the board and them commit equally to the defense. Being a board member is not always about financial contributions (but that is an integral and necessary part); it still boils down to sharing your resources, network, and skills. Here's how to recognize and handle a toxic board member, ease tensions, AND preserve the organization's future. At the most basic level, board members and directors can always fall back on the standard fiduciary duty and responsibility to put the good of their organization above all else.