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Revised (Nov 20 2008)
Think about yourself and your role
How do you normally participate in groups? Are you quiet and thoughtful or more spontaneous? Do you like facts and details or are you more attracted to the big picture? Do you like to work things out logically or rely on your emotional response to situations to help you decide? Are you frustrated by long discussions without decisions or energized by endless possibilities? What are your principles and purposes—those key ideas that you hold dear and will not willingly compromise?
Be prepared. Read background material before meetings to ensure you are familiar with the issues. If there are delegations coming before the board, or if you’re entering an interactive situation, get briefed on the issues and take a few minutes to think about questions that will likely come up.
Be humble. When you make a mistake, accept the fact that you’re human. Recognize the error without becoming defensive or angry when it’s pointed out.
Develop and use your sense of humour. A funny remark at the right time can enliven a dull discussion or defuse a tense situation. Self-deprecating humour works well because it says you don’t take yourself too seriously. But don’t use sarcastic humour to cloak criticism of someone else.
With the preponderance of instant e-mail communication, sometimes it is important to allow for careful thought. If you are confronted with something that is upsetting, wait until the following day before responding or ask someone else to review your message for tone and content.
While on board of education business, dress in a manner that invites respect for the work that you and the board are doing.
Knowing more about yourself will help you anticipate and manage your own reactions to unexpected circumstances. Then you can maximize your strengths and minimize your potential weaknesses.
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Its all about relationships
