Having had several conversations about the KCBS BoD election that is approaching, over the last few months, I took the time to think about how I'd determine who I'd vote for. I came up with the basic criteria below.
It's going to take more than name recognition for me to cast a vote this year.
I need to see that a candidate has skills to offer to KCBS, whether that's management experience, a technical background that would be beneficial, experience in helping a business or other NFP grow efficiently, etc.
I need some clear examples of issues they believe in, and will work to develop while serving. I want to hear something other than helping foster harmony and cooperation on the board. While I believe that it's crucial, I believe that it will be such a common theme that it will be meaningless as a discriminating factor. A good start would be a clear statement on what they believe the role of the BoD should be and what they will do to help achieve that goal. I'd like to see some form of a code of conduct or ethics developed, with some clear repercussions if one or the other is violated.
Most importantly, I will only vote for someone that I believe will act as a "Director" and not a "Manager". I want to be able to vote for a candidate that is interested in taking advantage of the growth opportunities that may present themselves, and run this organization like a business and not a dysfunctional club.
While I'm grateful for the service of the existing BoD, and members that have served in the past, I think it's time for a change. As the board exists now, I've heard too many scraps and seen too much evidence of grudges, feuds, and burned bridges to have any confidence that there will be a change in the way that the business of the BoD is carried out without a significant change in the makeup of that board. Anyone meeting the qualifications outlined above, and that I can reasonably believe will put forth the effort to remain free of the existing polarization of the current BoD and carry out their duties for the benefit of the organization has a shot at my vote.
EDIT: I should add that my dissatisfaction is with the current board as a whole. Not individual members or factions. The polarization that exists today, is there because it has been allowed to grow.
It's going to take more than name recognition for me to cast a vote this year.
I need to see that a candidate has skills to offer to KCBS, whether that's management experience, a technical background that would be beneficial, experience in helping a business or other NFP grow efficiently, etc.
I need some clear examples of issues they believe in, and will work to develop while serving. I want to hear something other than helping foster harmony and cooperation on the board. While I believe that it's crucial, I believe that it will be such a common theme that it will be meaningless as a discriminating factor. A good start would be a clear statement on what they believe the role of the BoD should be and what they will do to help achieve that goal. I'd like to see some form of a code of conduct or ethics developed, with some clear repercussions if one or the other is violated.
Most importantly, I will only vote for someone that I believe will act as a "Director" and not a "Manager". I want to be able to vote for a candidate that is interested in taking advantage of the growth opportunities that may present themselves, and run this organization like a business and not a dysfunctional club.
While I'm grateful for the service of the existing BoD, and members that have served in the past, I think it's time for a change. As the board exists now, I've heard too many scraps and seen too much evidence of grudges, feuds, and burned bridges to have any confidence that there will be a change in the way that the business of the BoD is carried out without a significant change in the makeup of that board. Anyone meeting the qualifications outlined above, and that I can reasonably believe will put forth the effort to remain free of the existing polarization of the current BoD and carry out their duties for the benefit of the organization has a shot at my vote.
EDIT: I should add that my dissatisfaction is with the current board as a whole. Not individual members or factions. The polarization that exists today, is there because it has been allowed to grow.