Do You Have a SNAKE on Board?

It seems lately I’ve been counseling, or perhaps just listening, as nonprofit leaders go on-and-on about a particular board member that is poisoning the entire organization with seemingly endless, relentless venom bites. Yes, I just refer to this type of board member as a SNAKE - a “Self-centered Narcissistic Ass - Killing Everything.”

Don’t laugh – it’s so true and no one is talking about it except seeking commiseration from trusted friends and colleagues.  It's a serious nonprofit problem. And the greatest damage to most organizations is losing good people - top performers, both staff and volunteers, will not stay where snakes are allow to slither.

The constant strikes of poisonous SNAKEs are destroying the entire body of many nonprofits. 

Here are 10 clear signs that signal a SNAKE’s poisonous venom is flowing in your organization: 

1. A SNAKE rolls his eyes in disrespect at least once at every meeting.
2. A SNAKE cuts others off in the middle of a report because they disagree of dislike what is being said.
3. A SNAKE regularly attacks the ED, other board members and staff – especially through slithering comments in public meetings.
4. A SNAKE always hides, blame others, and refuses to acknowledge mistakes – unless someone else makes them.
5. A SNAKE wants control more than achieving your mission.
6. A SNAKE questions and complains about things they don’t understand but refuses to be educated.
7. SNAKEs want it their way or no way.
8. SNAKES use their position to justify their behavior.
9. SNAKES favorite striking tactic is through email. They use email to attack, stir up discontent, and to discredit a person or idea.
10. When a SNAKE is absence – everyone seems relieved, energy is positive, discussions are collaborative, meetings run smoothly and end with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. 

So, if you now realized there is a SNAKE on board poisoning the success and impact of your mission – what should you do? Watch for my next post. In it, I"ll show you how to neutralize, exterminate or just make the SNAKE go away.  If you can’t wait,  message me here or email me at [email protected].