Alonzo,
having survived 3 nonprofits (2 as a board member and one as a manager)
over the last 15 years, I can empathize with your predicament. My first
suggestion is that you should simply leave (one of the definitions of
insanity is that you continue doing the same thing while expecting
different outcomes!). However, knowing that you probably aren't
interested in that suggestion, I have an alternative one for you: obtain
and read a copy of "Boards that make a difference" by John Carver (San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1990. ISBN: 1555422314).
I've used this book in retreats for nonprofit boards...however, it won't
make a difference if they're not listening. That's the first challenge
you have--to make them realize that they're not working as a board.
Carver is very good at differentiating between the board's
responsibilities and that of the administrators or staff of a nonprofit.
You've identified many of those issues in your description...perhaps
Carver's book can help you create a strategy to convince your colleagues.
Insofar as the possibility that nonprofits can be learning
organizations--well, yes they can be. It's highly unlikely, though, that
the board will be able to transition to that model unless the
organization's values are changed, and the methods of recruiting and
retaining board members reflect those values. I'd encourage you to work
on getting the board back to it's primary mission of governance and
perpetuating a public trust. Sounds like that's where you should put your
energy for now.
good luck!
Doc Holloway
ps. please don't rely on charismatic leaders...they serve only
themselves. choose people who care about your organizational purpose, who
are willing to give of themselves to further that purpose, and who are
willing to collaborate and extend themselves into the community on behalf
of that purpose.
-- "Mindfulness is the practice of aiming your attention, moment to moment, in the direction of your purpose. It is called mindfulness because you have to keep your purpose in mind as you watch your attention. Then whenever you notice that your aim has drifted off, you calmly realign it." -Frank AndrewsThresholds <http://www.thresholds.com> Meeting Masters <http://www.thresholds.com/masters.html> Richard Charles "Doc" Holloway - P.O. Box 641, Long Beach, WA 98631 Voice 360.642.8487 ICQ# 10849650
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>