IN RESPONSE TO: " 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? Especially where rumors begin to surface, and one knows the skuttle-butt came from the staff member about you. IMHO, Board's should leave the issues to the director, and/or if there is a problem, go directly to the director. It has made a conflict of interest with trust for the board member, and more distrust for the staff member. Opinions -- are welcomed." I OFFER: While my title is "Director," I work for a "Superintendent" who is the museum's CEO. Some of the Board members were friends of mine before they became Board members, so it's a bit late to stop now. We encourage socialization and communication, but make sure it's clearly understood that the staff works for the Superintendent not for the Board. That is to say, Board members cannot micromanage staff activities, but we encourage them to know what's going on in the museum - it makes them better fund raisers and spokespersons. If rumors arise, expose them ASAP - if they're correct, take action to remedy, and if they're false, put them to rest. One or two direct confrontations with someone who's spreading rumors will usually stop them cold - it's no fun if you can't get away with it. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C. L. Dill, Museum Director State Historical Society of North Dakota 612 East Boulevard Bismarck ND 58505-0830 P: (701)328-2666 F: (701)328-3710 E: [log in to unmask] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -