American Society of Plumbing Engineers The Role of a Chapter Board Member Mitch Clemente, CPD, FASPE June 2, 2018

First Time Board Experience Quotes “How much time it would take, and how much I'd be away from my family fulfilling the obligations.” “The first year is like drinking from a fire hose.” “I wish I had known that the Board Meeting is not always where suggestions are made, or where the work gets accomplished.” “I wish I’d had a thorough study of Robert's Rules of Order. “

A Board Member is a “volunteer”...

..but you “volunteered” to do work.

What do Chapter Boards work on together as a team?

Everything!

The Chapter Board of Directors… Develops a plan for accomplishing its own work. Speaks as one voice regardless of decisions and personal opinions.

Chapter Board Responsibilities: Reviews and approves the budget. Accepts and supports differences among the team. Helps make the Chapter and the Society successful and assists in achieving its mission.

A Chapter Board Member… Is elected as an individual, not to be an individual. Attends every meeting. Brings questions, innovative ideas, and energy to the meetings. Comes to meetings prepared to engage in discussions, ask questions, and seek clarification. Exercises independent judgment when voting.

A Chapter Board Member… Has an open mind. Shares their perspective with fellow Board members. Gets their work done on time. Stays adequately informed about the organization. Communicates openly and with respect. Works together for the common good of the Chapter and the Society.

A Chapter Board Member… Does not have the “This is about Me” attitude. Operates with integrity. Does not have any prejudices or their own agendas. Is not stuck on winning every issue. Is a team player and has a positive attitude. Will be judged by what the Board accomplishes, not by what they as an individual tried to accomplish.

A Chapter Board Member… Performs best when they fulfill their responsibilities primarily by asking good and timely questions, rather than by ‘running’ programs or implementing their own policies or agenda.

Things to Remember… Get to know what your role is as a board member. You were elected by the members - try to carry their voices and needs. Once a Board decision is made you should support that decision regardless of your position. You are only one on the Board and not a power of one.

Things to Remember… As long as you are working in the best interest for the members and the Chapter, vote your conscience. Be respectful of the opinions of your fellow Board members. Authority resides within the group, not with the individuals.

Types of Board Members:

Respect the Team The Board sets the tone for the entire Chapter. Your members are watching closely. The best way to succeed as a Board is to practice collaboration and respect. No room for bulldozers. Boards whose members treat one another with respect tend to be the most effective.

Respect the Team There is honor in casting a sincere vote, win or lose. Boards vote, and majorities rule. Effective Boards establish a model of collaboration that builds confidence. Work to do what’s best for your members. Don’t pout or get feelings hurt, then take it out on everyone for the remainder of your term.

Sharing and Listening Board members must have the ability to compromise. You won’t “win” on every issue you care about. More importantly, sometimes you’ll find that the information, perspectives, and ideas others have may change your mind, or lead to a new and even better collaborative idea.

Sharing and Listening Be flexible, even as you seek to honor your deepest values and commitments. Be open and listen to all stakeholders before making up your mind. After a difficult vote, effective boards embrace the decision and move forward together.

Sharing and Listening You’ll measure the true success of a Board not by agreement, but by respectful disagreement and spirited discussion followed by a difficult vote.

Stay Focused Minimize extraneous conversations. Thoroughly prepare for all meetings. Allow your fellow Board members to finish their thoughts before speaking. Don’t stray from the topic just to be heard. Don’t repeat or beat the dead horse. Don’t be late for meetings.

Remember this: “There is no progress without change, not all change is progress.”

Let’s move forward now that each of us has a better understanding of their role as a Chapter Board Member.