Members of an industry association get excited only when their Board proposes initiatives that will likely benefit them and their businesses financially or materially. The most often asked question during
A local public Board has many closed meetings, simply because the agenda items discussed might be too embarrassing or inconvenient to discuss in a public setting. POTENTIAL DAMAGE Transparency and
The spineless Chair likes to please people and hesitates to do anything that might offend anyone. He remains silent when vocal members dominate and others are left behind, together with
A Municipal Council Member uses his knowledge of rules of order (parliamentary procedure) to advance proposals of questionable merit or to stall or block other initiatives. In another setting, the
A smooth-talking CEO has mastered the art of telling the Board what it wants to hear: “There is nothing to worry about. It was handled this morning,” or: “It’s not
A locally based community services organization receives a pitch from a philanthropist: “I’ll donate up to $100,000 to match any funds that you raise on your own.” The Board gets
This member withholds crucial information that was given to her privately by staff or community members, since she has promised them secrecy. Potential Damage Withholding relevant information (gained privately under
Sometimes it’s necessary for a board to fire the executive director. Occasionally the decision is clear to everyone, such as in instances of embezzlement or unethical behaviour. But more often,
A Board member stumbles as he attempts to articulate a motion, and the result is a poorly worded and flawed motion. Another member promptly seconds the motion and the Board
The disengaged Board member does not prepare for meetings, arrives late, reviews email//texts during meetings, leaves early, or misses meetings altogether. He/she usually does not take on any follow-up duties, and is a master
