Board members unfit?

[Guest Brenda]

I've been to consecutive board meetings for the past few months and witnessed certain people forgetting things from minute to minute, forgetting what decisions were made at the last meeting (they argued about the minutes even though they signed off on them) they get confused during the meetings and one frequently asks to be pardoned for having 'a senior moment'.

They don't remember seconding motions and instead of coming to meetings prepared they do not read their pre-meeting info, seeming lost and confused during discussion, asking questions that were clearly addressed in the pre-meeting info (delivered to them about a week before meeting time every month). I watch them frown at the paperwork given to them, turning from page to page as if looking at a document written in an unknown language.

People tend to chuckle and forgive them and dismiss it as no big deal, but to me it is a big deal. No one wants to be the 'bad guy' and even discuss removing anyone from their board positions, choosing politeness over reason...the president is also guilty to a point of all the aboved mentioned problems, including the politeness issue.

I'd like to talk to the president about another, just as serious issue, but I'm afraid they will either dismiss it because they don't want to tackle uncomfortable issues, or that they would do something I've already seen them do...say one thing during a private talk (like they understand a problem and will take a certain position on it) then demonstrate forgetfulness or deny they ever considered the position they said they would claim earlier as it is addressed publicly.

Advice?

[Josh Martin]

I've been to consecutive board meetings for the past few months and witnessed certain people forgetting things from minute to minute, forgetting what decisions were made at the last meeting (they argued about the minutes even though they signed off on them) they get confused during the meetings and one frequently asks to be pardoned for having 'a senior moment'.

They don't remember seconding motions and instead of coming to meetings prepared they do not read their pre-meeting info, seeming lost and confused during discussion, asking questions that were clearly addressed in the pre-meeting info (delivered to them about a week before meeting time every month). I watch them frown at the paperwork given to them, turning from page to page as if looking at a document written in an unknown language.

People tend to chuckle and forgive them and dismiss it as no big deal, but to me it is a big deal. No one wants to be the 'bad guy' and even discuss removing anyone from their board positions, choosing politeness over reason...the president is also guilty to a point of all the aboved mentioned problems, including the politeness issue.

I'd like to talk to the president about another, just as serious issue, but I'm afraid they will either dismiss it because they don't want to tackle uncomfortable issues, or that they would do something I've already seen them do...say one thing during a private talk (like they understand a problem and will take a certain position on it) then demonstrate forgetfulness or deny they ever considered the position they said they would claim earlier as it is addressed publicly.

Advice?

If you want to try to remove these people, see FAQ #20.

As for the political issues... I suppose the best thing to do might be to talk to some of your closest allies first. If even those conversations go poorly... well, I think that tells you something about your chances. If they go well, perhaps you can think about discussing this with others.

[jstackpo]

Or the direct approach:  Run for the board yourself next election cycle.

 

(Then people can complain about you!  )