Some association boards seem to have it all. They work well together, get a lot accomplished for the association and motivate members to become active contributors. As a result, the association thrives.
Other association boards … are, well, just the opposite.
Here are six signs your board of directors is dysfunctional and your association likely won’t get too much done for the betterment of the group.
1. You don’t know what’s in your bylaws (or you don’t know if you have them). Leaders must have the necessary tools in place to be successful. Just like you can’t set foot on a field or court as an official without delving into the rulebook, you can’t serve as a board member without knowing your group’s bylaws. The bylaws will provide guidance on the roles of board members (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, etc.) and information on how the association should be run (meetings, elections, discipline, assignments, etc.). Board members who aren’t in the know will lose credibility in a hurry.
2. You can’t agree on a direction. Board members don’t always have to agree on association issues. However, they do have to come to a consensus during board meetings and present a united front when speaking to the membership. Nothing spells dysfunctional more than the president and vice president arguing over an idea during a meeting or another board member quietly voicing disagreement about a board direction to certain members.
3. You aren’t getting input from association members. Board members are elected by the membership to represent the membership. It’s tough to represent members if you don’t get their views. Not only should you get members views, you should ask members to contribute to the association through committee work or clinics and fundraisers. If you overstep your role and exclude members, you’re sending the message, “Since you don’t know what you’re doing, I’ll do it myself.” That’s not a message you want to send.
4. You don’t have the respect of members. If members are talking while you’re presenting, constantly challenging what you’re saying or not showing up for meetings at all, it’s not a good sign. Respect has to earned. If you’re not getting respect from members, figure out why. Then try to work to improve the areas that need improvement.
5. You’re not willing to change with the times. If your association has been doing things the same way for 50 years, that doesn’t mean it’s the way it should be doing things for the next 50. Maybe your members elected you and the other members of the board because they wanted you to update the association. Sticking to status quo when it’s getting your association nowhere is a bad idea. Your board won’t last too long with that attitude.
6. You’re not getting anything done. If your association set some goals for the year and the board hasn’t done anything to accomplish those goals, there is something wrong. The board must lead the association to accomplish special projects or address special needs, whether it’s organizing a camp, improving the end-of-the-year banquet or providing video for training at meeting. To be successful your board should have something to point to as far as accomplishments.
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