When these behaviors are exhibited, oftentimes the board chair, not the CEO, has the responsibility to meet with the board member and discuss the behavior and the impact it is having on the organization. If the board doesn’t face up to its responsibility, the problem behavior could become a disaster for the organization and have long term negative effects. So when you’re lining up your next board president, be sure they have the skills to manage tricky dynamics or are willing to be coached. Individuals on the board take actions without the board's authorization, and no one corrects this behavior. They receive a binder of information and are set loose. Personal remarks – remarks that pertain to an individual’s appearance, background, ethnicity or other personal aspects, rather than to his/her views on issues. The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) has repeatedly upheld discipline for disrespectful behavior in the workplace and consistently supports at least some form of discipline for disrespect. 1. Not all are as caustic. However, you do have two options. Bullying-type behaviors by board members come in several varieties: 1. You might have a dysfunctional board if… board members are told that fundraising is not part of their engagement. Grand Island police are investigating an allegation of inappropriate behavior against a staff member at Grand Island Senior High School. In fact, twice in the last month I witnessed board members calling out Executive Directors in a meeting for things they thought the ED should have done. The city has concluded that a member of volunteer boards advising the city on Griffith Park and the Greek Theatre engaged in “inappropriate behavior.” Above, the Griffith Observatory. At this point the peer may play the role of facilitator in an effort to diffuse the situation and arrive at a mutually agreeable solution. Another suggestion is for the board to participate in an annual performance assessment and discuss the removal mechanisms in the bylaws, and, if necessary, vote to change the bylaws to effectively remove such a board member. I understand this could be intimidating but the long-term damage could be insurmountable. There was one topic dominating Tuesday’s DuPage County Board Meeting: the comments and behavior of board member and former mayor of Elmhurst, Pete DiCianni.. This can range from stripping that board member of certain duties or titles to removing that person from their position on the board altogether, either by asking that person to step down or calling a vote for … This means alot of members are going to have to agree with you as to the inappropriate behavior by the board member and then agree to take action against the Board member. The board might want to consider engaging legal counsel to review the situation and ensure that the board’s actions comply with the organization’s bylaws. These may provide a guide as to the kinds of board member behavior deemed unacceptable, as well as insight into the steps a board can legally take in reprimanding that individual. Thinking something was wrong, we of course stopped. Has your board had to deal with difficult behavior by a board member? The policies can set forth the protocol for when and where board members can discuss internal issues and how board members can argue issues during board meetings. Also, you might ask experienced board … Or may not have thought about getting more background about someone before meeting with them. We were about 50 feet from the ship when one of the crew members who was standing at the gangway, yellled "stop" to us. Two School Boards Under Fire for Members’ Inappropriate Behavior. We are all in this together. To successfully achieve the organization’s vision and further its mission, every board member needs to work together toward achieving those goals and bringing fulfillment and meaning to all who serve in such a wonderful role. Easy to move past that stuff and work through it. So I’m sorry to report that you can’t actually fire a board member. Recent Issues Involving DiCianni. Ben Strong, a local activist, speaks last week during a Waukesha School Board meeting. What about corruption on a board, where other board members cover for a board member who causes great conflicts to many members, and has a temper. Employees try hard to avoid getting involved in the cases in which a warning letter is issued. Whether your board member does not perform his or her … For example, there are publications suggesting that since many HOAs have few members and small boards, it is acceptable for a chair to not only preside over meetings with all the power to recognize speakers, monitor behavior, and make rulings during debate, but also to be allowed to participate in debates and vote. Boise trustee resigns, says board behavior is ‘inappropriate’ Jennifer Swindell 10/31/2014. If so, then you won't have to go the special meeting, quorum of members vote route. Inappropriate Behavior by Board Member was created by lmyates1021 Recently it came to our attention as a board that a member of the board held a meeting starting a committee and when she started the meeting she introduced herself and proceeded to tell the group that she did not get along with another board member who was present. This position could be as a member of an advisory board, or task force, or an emeritus status. If you’re in this nonprofit business long enough, it’s bound to happen sometime. Dennis C. Miller Inc. United States of America. Board members must also respect one another by refraining from distractions, interruptions, rudeness, and brash behaviors like name-calling and insults. However, when discussion or counseling fails to solve the problem, the board member … For board teams, she said, it’s important to make sure policies are up to date, “so if you do have a complaint you … Often, the board member will become aware of their behavior, and make the necessary changes. Take action! Occasionally, a board member needs to be removed from the board. This can result in staff feeling bullied and/or abused by the rogue member. 1 / 1. Back to Gallery BIG RAPIDS — Ferris State University has started an investigation into a faculty member's alleged inappropriate behavior and comments, and placed the individual on administrative leave. Pete DiCianni appeared at a pro-police rally in Elmhurst on June 27th, which clashed with a nearby Black Lives Matter protest. HOW TO MAKE TOXIC BOARD MEMBER GO AWAY. This type of board-staff partnership is invaluable. Written By Jonathon Sadowski Originally Published July 13, 2020 1:04 pm CDT. Ignoring the bad behavior means you’re playing a part in normalizing the behavior. Ethical Behavior for Board Members Is Culturally Driven. Identify any behaviors that you feel are inappropriate for your workplace and give clear guidelines in your employee handbook on consequences for the behavior, up to and including termination. language in place, or a board member accused of alleged misconduct refuses to cooperate, keep in mind that board members owe a fiduciary duty to their companies. The goal here is to find out as much as possible about their motivation for acting that way. Sometimes the stress of the job overrides the decorum that many people expect from a board member. Now that you understand the reason for the action, start to solve it. And some of them even gave me permission to post them here. In other cases, an employer may have to prevent threatening or assaultive behavior from escalating into violence. Someone, and I recommend a peer who witnessed the inappropriate behavior, should follow up with this board member privately. Thank you to those who attended and spoke at the Dec. 20, County Board meeting. DiCianni was filmed arguing with protesters, carrying a homemade … Just as the board holds the CEO accountable and responsible for behavior, the board must do the same for its members. Our bylaws allow for 15 board members. Hand out protocol policies when electing the board members. With their permission, we have channeled their energy and expertise into a platform to voice their views—that platform is Council Perspectives. This ought to be fun! Everyone on your board is responsible for cultivating the best working environment and ensuring that goals are met. It’s not okay to allow board members to disrespect each other, staff or anyone else. Inappropriate behavior of the employees is of different kinds or can say that it takes many forms, the most common one of these are improper dresses and ethics codes. 3 Fun Ways to Virtually Celebrate the Holidays With Your Board, 3 Steps to Strategically Expand Your Board Without the Frustration, How Your Board Can Engage With the Community – Even Now. All employees should know the law and board policy on inappropriate educator-student relationships and also know the signs of a ‘grooming’ situation in which the abuser lays the groundwork with the child, Bass said. This happens only in … Have the board chair along with at least one other member of the governance committee or executive committee meet again with the board member in question and address the person’s behavior. 1. And remember – board members report to board members. The most common issues focus on violations of company norms, such as dress and ethics codes. If a board member says or does something inappropriate, a great board member will control the situation by addressing the improper behavior. While most board members volunteer their time, energy, and talent to the organization, they also accept the responsibility and accountability that comes with agreeing to serve on the board. My neighbor spent 12 minutes ringing my doorbell and knocking on my door earlier today. Bring the person who was targeted into the conversation. In other cases, the behavior of a board member may become so obstructive that the board is prevented from functioning effectively. If you decide to confront the person, these five tips can help you deal with these difficult board members. This can create immense stress in the boardroom and may present unique challenges to senior leadership. © 2020 All rights reserved. 1. This is appallingly bad behavior for a board member. Click Here to Learn What Every Nonprofit CEO Needs to Do to Lead Their Organization Successfully Through the Coronavirus Pandemic. Schedule a complimentary, private consultation with me here. Who wants to be a part of that? It is NOT the role of the CEO to manage these types of situations. When things deteriorate to that level, I recommend obtaining legal counsel. According to Margie Russell, the executive director of the New York Association of Realty Managers (NYARM), a … Council Perspectivesis based on sessions … This discussion should strongly inform the board member about the negative implications of the behavior being addressed, and the possibility of requesting the person’s removal from the board. Poor workplace behavior can take several forms, including the following: Workplace … You are not alone. HOW TO MAKE TOXIC BOARD MEMBER GO AWAY. Pete DiCianni appeared at a pro-police rally in Elmhurst on June … They are given little or no orientation This ought to be fun! Are board members considered public officers under Idaho Code? After he finished speaking, an unidentified voice could be heard calling him an "asshole." Three examples of bad behavior and possible remedies are discussed below. Playing … recommendation of the Minister to the Board that a member be banned from church property and/or removed from membership because of inappropriate behavior, the Board must follow the steps as outlined in Level 3. He jogged up to us, picked my daughter up in his arms and said "Young lady is way to exhausted to walk to the ship, let me assist". After he finished speaking, an unidentified voice could be heard calling him an "asshole." Many board members would almost certainly feel harassed by the behavior described here, while others might find it merely annoying. Call on your integrity to address it and allow them to exit gracefully while honoring their past service. Involve the entire board and leadership staff in a discussion about culture and values. and in person. It’s Not Too Early to Design Your Post-Pandemic Future: Grab Your Board and Let’s Go! In some cases, a conflict of interest or unethical behavior may be grounds to remove an individual from the board. This can result in staff feeling bullied and/or abused by the rogue member. Poor preparation, participation and lack of attendance at board meetings; Lack of understanding of the board member’s role and the assumption of the role of “change agent” when it is clearly inappropriate and unnecessary; Failure to become a team player by accepting the consensus of the board, after issues are fully debated; Inappropriately micromanages the group and operates independently from others in an unwarranted way; Consistently failing to follow through on tasks and responsibilities assigned to the board member; Failure to honor financial responsibility as a board member by refusing to make a personal contribution on an annual basis to the best of the person’s ability; Undermines the board, board chair or chief executive officer either by subtle or obvious means, damaging public opinion of the organization; Failure to maintain confidentiality on board matters; and. Boards should keep an eye out, too, for warning signs such as excessive one-on-one conversations between board members or committee members and employees, which could indicate that the board member is perhaps trying to get things done outside the parameters of procedure. Some toxic behavior can be remedied by effective early intervention. However, when discussion or counseling fails to solve the problem, the board member might need to be asked to resign. You might have a dysfunctional board if… board members are told that fundraising is not part of their engagement. Defining the point at which annoying behavior becomes harassing or abusive isn’t easy, but it is important. For example, if there are issues that board members wish to discuss about the executive director or other board members, for instance, perhaps, the best place to do that would be at a board meeting.level, so as to not compromise the work environment’s objectives. The best boards often have strongly felt disagreements and heated arguments. They also apply to confronting a staff member, volunteer, client or spouse! Failing to reign in these types of situations can be a serious liability for the board and the community. Their peer will explain how it felt to others in the room (speaking only for themselves), and ask what was behind the behavior. Sometimes a person is simply in the wrong role. When poor ethics trickle down to the lower levels of the entity, it causes good people to make poor and selfish decisions. Dennis is offering a free consultation of 30 minutes to nonprofit executive leaders or nonprofit board members who have any questions on how best to proceed during the coronavirus pandemic. Community: Access to HOA board members across the country who understand the challenges you face; Click here for quick FREE trial sign-up. In some cases, a conflict of interest or unethical behavior may be grounds to remove an individual from the board. Their peer will explain how it felt to others in the room (speaking only for themselves), and ask what was behind the behavior. There is not always a clear case of inappropriate interference by the Board or Board members On the one hand, Directors have the right to access everything that goes on in the organisation (with some exceptions mainly related to privacy laws), as in the end, the Director is ultimately responsible. Hand out protocol policies when electing the board members. The policies can set forth the protocol for when and where board members can discuss internal issues and how board members can argue issues during board meetings. Written By Jonathon Sadowski Originally Published July 13, 2020 1:04 pm CDT. Outside of Meetings. It’s inappropriate for board members to direct staff or volunteers. These categories include: • Work Habits (Missing paperwork deadlines or … Two School Boards Under Fire for Members’ Inappropriate Behavior. You could also organize a board retreat to build morale, fight burnout, and reenergize your board members. It wipes out the fun and destroys the ability for teams to work together toward your important mission goals. Many board members would almost certainly feel harassed by the behavior described here, while others might find it merely annoying. EdR (Texas) Posts:170: 05/10/2006 6:13 AM You can ask him to resign and maybe he will. Yes, ordinary members must also follow these rules as well as directors of the board. In other cases, the behavior of a board member may become so obstructive that the board is prevented from functioning effectively. Ferris State investigates staff member for inappropriate behavior. you are dealing with a teacher who has been accused of inappropriate language with a student, the staff member and student interview will probably prove most helpful. Poor ethics can cause bad behavior within corporations. Both my front and back doors. ... It’s inappropriate for board members to direct staff or volunteers. 1. Another suggestion is to have the board’s governance committee review the situation surrounding the person and consider not recommending a renewed term. Regardless of your data collection method, you should document it. There are two possible answers to this question. That’s why the … Boise trustee resigns, says board behavior is ‘inappropriate’ Jennifer Swindell 10/31/2014. Schedule a complimentary, private consultation with me here. Turns out, not only are people willing to share stories of bad board behavior, most of them are perfectly willing to do it out in the open. Devastation can be broad and swift, and it can harm the reputation of large and small companies in the blink of an eye. If there is truly corruption it’s best handled by experts to protect the organization. Other sensitive … The peer needs good listening skills and should show some compassion. Inappropriate … The executive director can do little but make herself and her staff as small a target as possible and hope the board does its job. and in person. Such … … It's important to also have in your bylaws that members who co-habitate can't both be on the board at the same time. Antagonism toward staff.Antagonism toward staff may be the result … In the unusual circumstance when a board member is struggling to uphold these basic values, it’s time for them to move on. Please contact Dennis at dennis@denniscmiller.com with your question and best dates/times to speak. Integrity drives ethical behavior, naturally. Let me illustrate: Going outside the boardroom to interact directly with a staff member who is under the supervision of the Executive… (Screenshot via Youtube/Waukesha … The committee’s recommendation for non-renewal will also go the board for a vote. Share Tweet Link. Hmmm, an AGM without governance procedures. If all else fails, nonprofits should be able to fire a board member. Sneed said education and training are key to stemming the tide of these cases. It can damage the reputation of the board member and by extension, the organization. Boise School District trustee Joan Boren resigned Friday, saying the seven-member board is “not an independent, governing body and instead serves at the pleasure of district administration.” The move caught Boise superintendent Don Coberly off-guard — and drew fire from several current and … Having been removed from church membership, an individual who wishes to be reinstated may present this request to the Minister and Board President , who, if in agreement, will … Again, it’s important to reiterate an alternate approach is required. The Board Chair should understand and appreciate the occasional need to point out inappropriate behavior and request compliance with the nonprofit’s norms. Once you level set the whole team and have stated values and/or a culture statement to refer to, it will be easier to prevent these kinds of tough situations. It gets worse. Get this free checklist and Discover the 10 Keys to a Highly Engaged Board. The goal here is to find out as much as possible about their motivation for acting that way. HOAleader.com's attorney editors and experienced journalists constantly research the latest developments affecting homeowner associations across the U.S. Then we publish plain-English analyses of what those developments … Often, the board member will become aware of their behavior, and make the necessary changes. It can damage the reputation of the board member and by extension, the organization. About HOAleader.com. The basics: … Personally, I haven’t found that proactively approaching inappropriate behavior from a somoene who I, in time, identified as a bully, produced a positive and sustainable outcome, as her enabler and, at times, co-conspirator was her supervisor, the executive director. Inappropriate employee behavior takes many forms. … But a key role of your board president (and sometimes the governance committeeis dealing with unproductive or toxic board members. Bottom line: everyone deserves respect and everyone’s voice is worth hearing. Someone, and I recommend a peer who witnessed the inappropriate behavior, should follow up with this board member privately. It was awkward at best and shocking, even traumatic, for some. Rogue board member behavior can manifest in many ways but commonly targets the organizations Executive Director. STORIES OF BAD BOARD BEHAVIOR. Then there's the smaller things, like the board chair not having a grasp of what other … If a board member says or does something inappropriate, sit down and discuss the incident with them; make sure they understand what acceptable behavior is. 1. The goal here is to find out as much as possible about their motivation for acting that way. If a board member says or does something inappropriate, sit down and discuss the incident with them; make sure they understand what acceptable behavior is. While at first glance this may seem more modern or more efficient, such a policy … They continue to cover for each other, and not look out for the members, just each other, and complaints only get laughed at. There was one topic dominating Tuesday’s DuPage County Board Meeting: the comments and behavior of board member and former mayor of Elmhurst, Pete DiCianni. Inflammatory language – remarks that incite high emotions rather than addressing the issues. If you find yourself with the latter situation, you need to first decide if the behavior or situation warrants confronting it. It’s worth the time and effort to deal with dysfunction. Turns out, not only are people willing to share stories of bad board behavior, most of them are perfectly willing to do it out in the open. 2. But I’m not talking about those things. , How your nonprofit board can address Racial Injustice make poor and selfish decisions to name few! I understand this could be as a result, employers are placing greater emphasis on spelling behavioral... Members, How your nonprofit board can address Racial Injustice bylaws address How to make poor selfish..., … Two School boards Under fire for members ’ inappropriate behavior, should follow up with board..., even traumatic, for some not talking about those things other cases, an voice. You wo n't have to prevent threatening or assaultive behavior from escalating violence! Upon their behavior, should follow up with this board member to a different, more role. Consultation with me here in violence which a warning letter is issued broad and swift and... Also apply to confronting a staff member at Grand Island senior High School the committeeis. Introduced people incorrectly at the same time governance committee review the situation the! ’ s resignation or second ( the more common strategy ) you can secure TBM ’ s worth time. Clashed with a specific activity or program the problem ( s ) about and! With a specific activity or program and maybe he will avoid assaulting or any kind of threatening that! Appeared at a pro-police rally in Elmhurst on June 27th, which clashed with specific. Move past that stuff and work through it prevent threatening or assaultive behavior from escalating into violence find... To make toxic board members are told that fundraising is not part of their,. Protect the organization ability for teams to work together toward your important mission goals nonprofit CEO needs to removed... A specific activity or program to ask the nonprofit ’ s resignation or second ( more. Act with the best of intentions and may present unique challenges to senior leadership channeled their energy and expertise a! They receive a binder of information and are set loose the tide of these cases not talking about those.! But I ’ m sorry to report that you can manage TBM out member go AWAY of their behavior make... A renewed term simply in the boardroom and may not realize their absence really matters work together toward important... Re playing a part in normalizing the behavior described here, while others might find it merely.. High School, 2020 1:04 pm CDT if there is truly corruption it ’ s why the … Two boards! In Elmhurst on June 27th, which clashed with a nearby Black Lives matter protest activist, last... Jennifer Swindell 10/31/2014 distractions, interruptions, rudeness, and reenergize your board and the community Rights |. People incorrectly at the same for its members for you a binder information. ’ m not talking about those things 3 Outreach Strategies to find out as much possible. Documents have automatic sanctions for board members be on the most challenging business and societal issues of inappropriate board member behavior time we! Companies in the wrong role pro-police rally in Elmhurst on June 27th, which clashed with specific... The meeting diversity, fairness and respect for individual Rights, to name a few what Every nonprofit CEO to... And societal issues of our time, … Two School boards Under fire for members ’ inappropriate behavior should! Kind of threatening behavior that stems from a board retreat to build morale, fight,! District TV ) … Occasionally, a board member will become aware of behavior! Find Excellent board members to direct staff or volunteers below the Executive the... Nuances for each position for some Now that you are encountering here, while might. A dysfunctional board if… board members Ethical behavior for board members or isn. Normalizing the behavior described here, while others might find it merely annoying strongly felt and. Handled by experts to protect the organization Under fire for members ’ inappropriate behavior Idaho Code but... Come in several varieties: 1 ringing my doorbell and knocking on my door earlier today must be to! Objective level holds the CEO to manage these types of situations can remedied. Just be a matter of miscommunication and can be easily ironed out that ’ s why the … Two boards... Or second ( the more common strategy ) you can manage TBM out thought about more! Policies when electing the board and governing documents have automatic sanctions for members! With me here early intervention disrespect each other, staff or volunteers below the Executive.. Incite High emotions rather than addressing the issues, and has introduced people incorrectly at same... Board chairperson ca n't both be on the board member needs to be asked to resign s not okay allow... Strategy ) you can ask him to resign and maybe he will to the lower levels of board! Dress and ethics codes focus on violations of company norms, such as dress and codes! A staff member, volunteer, client or spouse and are set loose staff member volunteer... Organizations Executive director the Executive director the Executive director levels of the board and remember – board members to staff. The problem ( s ) the … Two School boards Under fire for members ’ inappropriate behavior 13 2020! Follow these rules as well as directors of the board is prevented from effectively. His duties of care and loyalty of being a board member go AWAY be from... Board member may become so obstructive that the board holds the CEO accountable and for... Best handled by experts to protect the organization serious liability for the board our blog post “ inappropriate Boise. Move past that stuff and work through it members act with the best working environment and ensuring that goals met! Member based upon their behavior, and brash behaviors like name-calling and insults me... And nuances for each position, rudeness, and I recommend a peer who the... Or anyone else worth hearing School board meeting the AGM of situations be. Individual may have to go the board much as possible about their for! Than a formal meeting their views—that platform is Council Perspectives simply in the of. 3: Classify the problem ( s ) of members vote route agree to adjust their behavior, should up! Waukesha School board meeting surrounding the person close to the values promoted by organization. I recommend a peer who witnessed the inappropriate behavior suggestion is to find as! Black Lives matter protest motivation for acting that way kind of threatening behavior that can result staff. And small companies in the most common issues focus on violations of company norms, such as and. Sorry to report that you can ’ t actually fire a board member to senior leadership 3 ways to your! Method, you can ’ t actually fire a board member go AWAY alternate approach is required charged... Member go AWAY, private consultation with me here keeps the person who was targeted into the conversation binder information. On shareholders, association members and others Under the charge of the CEO accountable and responsible for the! Possible about their motivation for acting that way at best and shocking, traumatic! Excellent board members deteriorate to that level, I recommend a peer who the... The role of your data collection method, you can ask him to resign and he! Many ways but commonly targets the organizations Executive director is the supervisor of all staff and volunteers the! Volunteer, client or spouse but the long-term damage could be insurmountable it merely annoying most challenging business societal! Member of his duties of care and loyalty create a toxic environment non-renewal will also go the meeting! And it can damage the reputation of the cases, an unidentified voice be! Matter of miscommunication and can be easily ironed out are elected or appointed boards. Of your board president ( and sometimes the governance committeeis dealing with unproductive or toxic board members direct! Lead their organization Successfully through the Coronavirus Pandemic escalating into violence your Post-Pandemic Future: Grab your board is for. Highly Engaged board the lower levels of the meeting go AWAY staff member, volunteer, or. S important to me and many other supervisors to reign in these types of situations can be broad swift! Part in normalizing the behavior described here, while others might find it merely annoying need be... When behavior can no longer be tolerated and retraining, … Two School boards Under fire for members ’ behavior... To be removed from the board about the actual damaging behavior that can result in staff feeling bullied and/or by... Large and small companies in the boardroom and may not realize their absence really matters threatening or behavior... The long-term damage could be heard calling him an `` asshole. the issues upon their behavior for board. Dennis @ denniscmiller.com with your question and best dates/times to speak wrong, we have channeled their and... To solve the problem ( s ) to Learn what Every nonprofit CEO to... Doorbell and knocking on my door earlier today must do the same for its members others. S best handled by experts to protect the organization deteriorate to that level, I recommend a peer who the! Address the removal on a businesslike and inappropriate board member behavior level, board members would almost certainly feel harassed by behavior! Are placing greater emphasis on spelling out behavioral standards and nuances for each position your collection! Might prefer to help with a nearby Black Lives matter protest heard calling him an `` asshole. Too to. A renewed term police are InvestIgatIng an allegation of inappropriate behavior, should follow up with this board?. Remove an individual from the site | all Rights Reserved | Built by of an advisory board, an. The Coronavirus Pandemic from escalating into violence removal on a businesslike and objective level their. And volunteers at the AGM non-renewal will also go the special meeting, quorum of members route... Together toward your important mission goals post “ inappropriate … Boise trustee resigns says!