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Don’t Begin Board Factions, They Can Be No Win Situations. Special thanks to Patrick H. McGaughey for the article below. If, for example, you are dealing with a perceived conflict of interest and your policy is to handle these in a very specific manner ( such as the governance committee) going to another volunteer, friend or supporter as it says below can be deadly. Board factions’ can be started by handling this incorrectly. While it’s wise to ask the council of Board members, especially the elected President in selected situations, done incorrectly is fraught with dangers.
The number one rule to know in organization management is, “Put a volunteer between you and the problem.” Don’t take on problems by yourself; get a volunteer (friend & supporter) to be your advocate especially when having problems with other volunteers. However, there are times when that volunteer supporter isn’t around and you need help now! This is when it’s time to go to Rule 1-A in organization management, “Put the strategic plan between you and the problem.” When others challenge you and you don’t have a volunteer to support you, refer to your strategic plan which includes the vision, mission and goals of the organization to solidify your position or work that is being challenged. If you are on plan, their argument is with the board and not you.
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