7
Coping with ‘BBB’ (Bad Board Behavior)
I
recently
listened to a
podcast
by
Michael Hyatt,
titled “What to
do if you work
for a bad
boss.”
I
considered
how
his
message
applied to the
context
of
school leaders
who
are
confronted
with the bad behavior of boards of
education or of individual board
members.
I have been blessed with good
boards of education over my career
with members who understood their
roles
and
avoided
being
“disagreeable” when they disagreed
with one another or with me about
an issue. Yet, I routinely hear from
colleagues who are struggling with
how to deal with bad board behavior.
Reflection on the five questions that
follow may serve as a first step
towards coping with challenging
boards and board members.
Do you have realistic expectations for your
board and its members?
We are often idealistic in that we know how good
boards are supposed to function. Yet, we sometimes
create an unrealistic set of expectations that
individual board members or a board cannot meet.
Remember, each board member comes to the table
armed with their vision or agenda for what they think
the district does or does not need. In some cases
members have no training and have not read a single
leadership book.
Remember, too, that board members often
struggle with their own personal history, school
experiences, fears, and weaknesses. They are
dealing with pressures from family, friends, co-
workers and others who may expect more from them
than they can give. Just like us, board members also
have good and bad days. Some board meetings they
are well read and prepared, and at other times they
may come completely unprepared for the meeting. It
is important to acknowledge this reality and to give
board members the benefit of the doubt. You have to
manage your expectations, and then set attainable
goals pertaining to the issues that you actually have
control over.
How is “bad behavior” impacting you and
your team?
When boards are behaving badly, you must
determine the effect that it is having on you and your
administrative team. Are members micro-managing
daily operations of the district to the point that you
can’t function effectively? Are board members
abusive or combative, or are they simply not engaged
in the business of the board? Each of these situations
may require a different response.
(Continued on page 8)
Superintendent
Dr. Thomas
Bertrand,
Rochester
CUSD 3A
