By Robert H. Halleck
Similar to Lesson 5, "Good People Don't Like Working with Bad People," this one can easily apply to any workplace. Just replace "board of directors" with "boss."
Don't Keep Secrets From Your Board of Directors
Surprise birthday parties are usually positive. Board surprises are not. On the day I was appointed president of the thrift, the chairman of the board said, "We don't like surprises."
I had been a board member of the organization for almost a decade and I knew that, but the meaning of the advice was not lost on me. Your board members all have concerns and some directors do not voice them in group meetings. Communicate with your board and allow for one-on-one discussions.
Robert H. Halleck, who retired in 2002 from a 35-year financial services career, remains vicariously involved in the industry through his wife, a credit union CEO.
Read Lessons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and 8.
Read "Strong CEO, Strong Chair ... or Both?"
Read "Recruit & Retain Top Directors."
