Board works to create conditions for success

FROM THE GRF PRESIDENT

by Jeff Mulqueen

GRF President

It is unusual for the GRF Board of Directors to convene for its monthly meeting in June. This meeting is typically cancelled, due to the other meetings in early June that are devoted to the annual election, reorganization of the Board, and ratification of committees. It seemed appropriate to schedule the meeting on June 23 to help the Board put its best foot forward.

Anyone who has attended prior Board meetings would be accustomed to an agenda focused on items, policies, and actions that are voted on after deliberation. The meeting on June 23rd was unusual in a second way. It largely focused on the “how” rather than the “what”. What are the expectations for the president and officers as they team together behind the scenes and during meetings? How does the Board function together? What expectations do directors have for themselves and their peers? By documenting specific expectations, the Board can better hold itself accountable and increase accountability to the residents of Leisure World. In about an hour, the Board developed the following three lists of expectations. Director Luke Wang (Mutual 10) commented on the high degree of transparency demonstrated by the Board during this meeting. These lists of expectations can be monitored, reinforced, edited and they have the potential to support the Board’s success over the new term. As David Norvell says, “We are stronger together!”

The Board’s Expectations for the President 1. Support even, fair discussion.

2. Support discussion that is focused on the topic at hand.

3. Remain neutral through discussion.

4. Validate different points of view.

5. Maintain decorum and respect during meetings.

6. Support transparency. 7. Provide clarity and direction for directors.

8. Provide ample information to all members of the board. 9. Support sustainability for GRF by seeking potential revenue and through wise spending.

10. Support mutual respect among and between employees and vendors, residents and the Board.

The Board’s Expectations for the Officers 1. Share commitments for transparency and accountability 2. Operate as a team, supporting both the President and the Board.

3. Improve communication with shareholders (members), simplifying the governance structure so it is more understandable to our residents.

4. Demonstrate commitment to the Mutuals and help them to make connections to GRF.

5. Respect the operational boundaries between governance and professional staff duties.

6. Partner with the Executive Director and work as a team rather than individually with him.

7. Cohesively coordinate with committees, ensuring that all items are thoroughly discussed.

The Board’s Expectations for Directors 1. Express gratitude and participate as a team. We are all in this together.

2. Put your best foot forward with civility and decorum.

3. Embrace differences. Disagreement is helpful as we reach for good solutions.

4. Actively listen and respect each other and residents.

5. Be prepared. Attend meetings beyond committee assignments to get things done.

6. Attack problems, not people. Don’t take things personally.

7. Brevity is the soul of clarity. Avoid past grievances or speaking about past experiences.