On Fri, 6 Sep 1996, John Martinson wrote:

> What are your opinion(s) on Board members making
> friends and socializing with a Director's staff?
> And if a Board ask they want to speak to staff
> members, is that proper?

I believe it is essential to keep channels of communication open between
a Board and the staff. Unfortunately, some directors turn out to be
thoroughly rotten eggs, and the Board would be well served being able to
find out the truth from those really in the know rather than remain happily
oblivious, based on deception on the part of such a director. Otherwise, by
the time the truth gets out, the Board will have a *banquet* of crow to
choke down.

> Especially where rumors begin to surface, and one
> knows the skuttle-butt came from the staff member
> about you.

*Nothing* personal, John, but what if the "rumors" are true, and that a
director is into major cooking the books and pulling the wool over the
Board's eyes? It certainly can happen.   Is the Board even aware that
most of the docents have quit in disgust, that donations have all but
dried up, and that public confidence in the Museum has evaporated?   A
clever scoundrel of a director can fabricate a pretty picture. A Board
needs access to All the relevant sides to an issue.

> Opinions -- are welcomed.

Just MHO...

Chris Bobbitt   [log in to unmask]   Bloomington, IN