War in the Board Room
Though chimpanzees are mainly vegetarian, they do eat meat. Specifically, Red Colobus Monkeys. Chimps search them out, gang up, lay a trap, and pounce. Much like some board directors. There is a business to run. Egos to protect. Casualties are frequent.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Part of being human is to feel that our current experience is the one that defines us. If we are not getting on with someone, it can feel like we will never get on. If they are a board member, key to our business, the issues multiply and grow causing stress, fall-outs, disagreements and sometimes all out war. The result? Marginalise, override, bully or, where possible, remove. But removing a shareholder is not easy. Harder still if they are family.
A different perspective is required.
What if that which makes them so difficult to get on with (brash, drippy, pessimistic, overly optimistic, too detailed, too hairy fairy) is the very thing that can make your company more successful than ever?
Such a new perspective does not come by accident. It requires someone from the outside to come in and skilfully resolve your current board room war. It requires a better and more accurate perspective on personality traits and behaviours. Understanding and stopping the destructive repetitive drama cycles which play out so easily. The roles each of you fill naturally, and how to play to your strengths, in order to create a high performing team.
Dysfunctional boards stop companies from performing. The effects cascade down the organisation, killing profits, destroying engagement, and stopping growth. Rather than ganging up on each other, imagine what would happen if you all worked at the top of your game to win your next biggest customer? And enjoyed doing so?
Mark Bateman quickly gets to the heart of issues and helps solve them. A successful entrepreneur with a Masters in Leadership Coaching and Mentoring, post grad qualifications in human psychology and business coaching – why not give him a try?
(C) Welcome Insight 2015, Image HikingArtist.com