Abuse in the Board Room

I received a letter the other day.

It reads:

Dear Chauncey,

I am trying to figure out what to do. I have a member on my board who has become quite a problem. You see we have a capable, long-term, valued employee who is present at all of our board meetings. Unfortunately, this board member in public board sessions repeatedly talks disparagingly of the employee’s education and abilities.

The employee has to sit there, mum, unable to respond. Apparently that is what the board member expects as the board member acts as if the employee is not even there.

In short, Chauncey, the board member treats this valued employee like dirt. Chauncey, how should I approach this?

Dismayed and Disgusted

——————

Dear Dismayed and Disgusted,

You need to solve this problem directly and promptly. The board member’s cad-like behavior toward the defenseless employee is abusive and should not be tolerated.

Quite frankly, I believe you should suggest the board member seriously examine whether the board member has the right temperament to serve as a member of your board.

Best of luck,

Chauncey