Informing the Leadership is Your Responsibility
Over the years we’ve heard a lot of association executives complain about the decisions their boards or committees have made or are heading towards. “Why would they do that?” and “Man, they just don’t get it,” we’ve heard over and over again. The commonly-held belief that the volunteer leaders make the decisions and staff implement them seems to have become an easy escape from responsibility.
It’s time for change. It’s time to stop complaining and do something about it.
As the executive director or senior staff executive, take responsibility for informing the leadership. Make sure they have considered all the options and potential ramifications of each. Develop white papers or bring in experts. If you have a concern with the direction they are heading, speak up. If personal agendas are taking over, call them on it.
Of course, be smart about it – your timing and presentation are critical. And, if you feel your board doesn’t want or respect your opinion, then you need to consider why that is. Are you being condescending? Defensive? Seemingly biased? It’s crucial that you make yourself a respected and valued part of the decision-making. Just because you may not have an official vote in the final decision, that doesn’t mean you should just let the discussions and decisions go where they may.
Don’t be a victim. Take control. Take responsibility. Will this guarantee you’ll agree with all the decisions that are made? Of course not, but at least you’ll know they were informed ones.
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