Board Column Generates More Questions by Steve Adubato, Ph.D.

A recent column about how board members can communicate more effectively received some interesting feedback, which of course generated more challenging questions as well as some valuable insight.

Joyce Michaelson is the Deputy Mayor of Montclair and asks; “Would you apply the same rules (of communication) for a governing body in our form of government (in which an appointed manager is the day-to-day executive)? I’m not sure whether being elected changes things, even though, theoretically, corporate and non-profit boards are also elected.”

The rules are basically the same, except elected officials potentially have a greater mandate and ultimately more authority because they have been chosen by a much larger group of stakeholders. However, this is not an invitation for members of a governing body (as a board) to micromanage what should be done by the appointed municipal manager. Further, if elected officials communicate directly with public employees without including managers and department heads (that they report to), chaos and confusion are likely to follow.

Marv Strauss, CPA and past chairman of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) posed this question; “How do we curtail well-meaning board members who consistently deliver long-winded reports at a short meeting (remember all are unpaid volunteers) without offending them?”

This one’s tricky, particularly because the board members are volunteers. The key is to communicate that you appreciate their feedback, but as a meeting leader, you must set the ground rules for how people present. Don’t personalize it, rather, say; “Given that we have such a busy agenda, I am going to ask each board member to keep their comments to two minutes or less so that we are considerate of everyone’s time.” Then, you must be prepared to step in if board member Bill Jones is going on forever. “Excuse me, Bill, but some of your colleagues have another commitment later this evening. I’m just going to remind everyone of our 2-minute limit. Please proceed Bill.”

Steven Brisgel, of the NJ Council of Economic Advisors, asks about raising money and whether the adage “give, get or get off” is accurate and what organization’s should really expect from board members when it comes to either giving or raising money for an organization.

Clearly Steven’s question revolves around volunteer or non-profit organizations. In theory, “give, get or get off” makes sense. It would be great if all board members either could write big checks or secure the financial commitment of people with deep pockets. But, some board members may not be willing or able to do either, yet can still make a valuable contribution. There are lawyers on boards who provide valuable legal insight. There are board members with many years of experience in all types of organizations that can give valuable advice and offer a keen perspective on how to handle difficult challenges. A great board is made up of members who offer different things at different times, yet together their skills match the organization’s needs.

Finally, Paul Dorf, PhD, APD, is a managing director of Compensation Resources, Inc., and offers these provocative comments; “Too often, boards have been insulated from the real activities of the organization and only ‘see’ what top management wants them to be exposed to. Given the re-awaking of boards to today’s reality of fiduciary responsibility with its litigation ramifications, it is important that board members are able to conduct sufficient independent research in order to make their own judgement calls…It is important that they not be confrontational, but rather challenge the status quo where appropriate and provide constructive ideas that will advance the organization’s mission and business.”

Great feedback, Paul. Your comments demonstrate the need to work toward that very delicate balance between board member participation and downright meddling.

Dr. Steve Adubato coaches and speaks on the subjects of communication and leadership and is the author of the book "Speak from the Heart." Write to him at The Star-Ledger, 1 Star-Ledger Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102, or click here to contact him through this web site.