June 16, 2008
Ask Meryl ~ Barred from the board
When I started my job I was part of board meetings and my views were sought on a number of contentious issues. However, it soon became apparent that the board (all male) were uncomfortable having their practice held up to scrutiny by a female who did not subscribe to the opinion that because they were directors, they were always right. Now I no longer am invited to board meetings and no longer get to hear information that previously enabled me to do my job effectively and to bring about change. I need to address this without seeming to moan or over inflate my importance in the company. How do you suggest I approach this with my directors?
Meryl Responds
It sounds like things changed without anyone saying anything about it. The result is that you’ve made a number of assumptions that may or may not be true. Before you do anything else, I’d like to hear you get clarity on the reasons for the change in the practice of including you. Here is a possible script.
- It was very useful to my job performance to attend the board meetings. Since I’m not invited anymore, I’m not getting information I need to be my most effective in my position. I wonder if I had an incorrect understanding of what my role in those meetings was, and if I am no longer invited because I wasn’t doing what was wanted from me. I’d like to learn why I am no longer being invited and to see if there is anything I can do to get back on the invitation list so I can do my job in the best possible way.
It is quite possible the reasons for your not being invited have nothing to do with what you think they do. I’d like for you to find out. And even if you’re right, it sounds like the goal of speaking is to get what you need to perform, even if the situation requires that you be a bit less forthcoming in the future.
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