Dealing With Board Directors

Prevention is the best approach to deal with difficult board members. Make sure your agency’s goals for its board members are clear and they are able combine their vision and that of the company. This will reduce the number of instances in which a board member’s advice can be counterproductive. But if a problem arises take action immediately and do not overlook any unacceptable behavior. Avoiding it will only make it worse.

Direct intervention is the first step to initiate a conversation one-on-one with the person who is creating trouble. You must be calm and professional but also direct and state your concerns clearly. If that doesn’t work, you can try a group intervention with someone whom the board member likes, or the chair. You might also review your agency’s Values Statement as well as other documents governing the organization for words that can be used to define acceptable behavior including respecting people and the courtesy.

Another alternative is to ask the person to quit the board (ideally at a time of choice, and voluntarily or, if required, through a vote of confidence). This will require some meticulous planning and preparation https://theboardmeeting.blog/data-room-comparison-for-giving-enough-resources/ prior to the meeting or conversation. Prepare a thorough response to the most important questions you want to discuss. Be assertive, but keep the appropriate tone.