Find a Solution

The feeling I get by serving on a non-profit board is so fulfilling. The emotions I experience by being an officer of the board are varied.

I realize that by being the President of the board I am leading the group towards their goals and plans. What I didn't realize is what I learn about myself along the way.

Recently we were reviewing the plans at the location for a large event we are hosting. This is my second year on the board and the event has been held for four years now.

You expect that action items will change as a result of what occurred the previous years. You hope to learn from the previous events and make plans for a better one.

One of my board members who has chosen not to be an officer is a very smart man who has a successful business in the community. He and his brother have served on this board since it was created.

This board member proceeds to let me know the problems we had last year and how that was not a positive outcome. I asked him for solutions this year. As he proceeded to remind me of what the negative outcome was last year I continued to ask for possible solutions. Since we were halfway through our walkthrough for the upcoming event, he chose to move to another area while I finished reviewing the setup with other board members.

Being aware of what worked and didn't work is important. However, I feel that when you want to point out what didn't work you can add a solution or ask for a solution to make sure that scenerio doesn't happen again.

I am learning to find ways to work with different personalities and help find ways to prepare for a better event. Although I felt frustrated with the exchange as the negative aspects were repeated, I continued to ask for possible solutions rather than dwell on the negative aspect. One more bonus for me since I didn't allow this exchange to cloud my thoughts in order to finish the meeting.