Meetings are magic. Even when facing clear facts, our decisions are ultimately based on myriad emotions, opinions and rationales, the result of shifting conditions and circumstances. For all the discussion in advance–in person or online–you never know what will happen when when the doors close, and everyone comes together face-to-face to make a decision. New […]
Author: boardroombuddha
Knowing what you don’t know
There’s a saying, “People prefer simple answers to complex problems, even when they are wrong.” But leaders understand the value of tolerating complexity and ambiguity. Few things in life are fixed…except birth and death. All the rest is dependent on the circumstances around us. Each time we try to control those circumstances or draw a […]
Rules are intention not instruction
There is an famous Zen saying, “Form is Emptiness and Emptiness is Form.” Everything is changing all the time. Our world. Our bodies. Our minds. How do we keep it together? Rules. Rules are designed to bring order to the chaotic communication that happens in any meeting of fragile, fickle humans. They help take the […]
Make Room for Everyone
Half of the art of speaking involves the art of listening. Some people prefer to listen before speaking. And others prefer to speak before listening. The job of the Facilitator is to ensure that Listeners get a chance to speak, and Speakers actually stop to listen. Here’s how: Set time limits for speaking and stick […]
Ego Management 101
The key to successful meetings is managing egos, and the biggest one is often your own… The world is a messy place and humans are fragile creatures. We like to be in charge, or at least pretend to be. And there is nothing more messy than a bunch of humans are trying to decide something […]
Civility is the ❤ of civics
Humans might be animals, but we do not need to act like them. For whatever reason, humans are blessed with an amazing ability to express ourselves, which includes the ability to help or harm other. Insulting opponents might win the battle, but you will lose the war for decency in the long run. Civil meetings […]
Tips for surviving as leader
The job is one of ego management, and the most important ego to manage is your own. Don’t be fooled into thinking the association will last forever. Lots of organizations fold due to poor choices by the board. The staff have seen a lot. Respect their knowledge and experience. Guard your time off preciously. Remember […]
Dealing with difficult people
There is one in every group of people. Yet it can be difficult to define exactly what we mean by “difficult people”. Regardless of whether you have issues with a particular person’s personality or one of your colleagues does, these tips can be used to help resolve personality conflicts that can impair board functioning. Who […]