<VV> Leadership

[James P. Rice]

Dave:  I do not agree with you assessment about our near agreement.  I know
we are not only not on the same page, I'm pretty sure we are not using the
same book, and maybe are not in the same library.

I believe you analysis is faulty to the core, and thus your cure is
mis-directed.

If you are still sure you are correct, please, please, run for the board and
skillfully apply your leadershiop skills to the situation you precieve.

Historically Yours
			James Rice
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Message: 6
Date: Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:03:03 -0600
From: "Dave Keillor" <dkeillor at tconcepts.com>
Subject: Re: <VV> Leadership.
To: "James P. Rice" <ricebugg at mtco.com>, <virtualvairs at corvair.org>

James,

I think we do agree, you just don't know it. :)

Everything you say about the BoD is true -- and is true of most boards,
especially non-profit boards.  The board's job is governance, and I wasn't
knocking the board.  As far as I know, they're doing a fine job.

No matter how good a leader a board member may be that's not the position
from which to exercise leadership.  Board members are elected for a term.
What happens when that person loses an election or decides not to run again?
I would never want to on a BoD without an ongoing leader who was completely
separate from the board.  It would be frustration squared.

Every successful organization has a leader -- CEO, Executive Director, etc.
This is not an elected position, and the person who fills the position
reports to the BoD.  From this structure flows continuity and
accountability.  The executive is accountable to the board and the board
to the membership.

Who is this person in Corsa?  If he or she exists, he or she is not doing
their job and should be replaced.  If he or she does not exist, perhaps
Harry and Mike should be replaced with a salaried executive and perhaps an
assistant.

Dave Keillor

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org] On Behalf Of James P. Rice
Sent: Friday, December 18, 2009 5:22 PM
To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
Subject: <VV> Leadership.

Dave:  I do not agree with you assessment about leadership. Given they have
real lives, most of the BoD members are doing the best they can with what
resources they have.  Which is mostly time and their own money.

There have been and are people on the BoD with leadership training and skill
from their real jobs.  You list is not new.  We had a similar list when I
was on the combined BoDs.

But if you think you can do a better job at the top of CORSA org chart, run
for the BoD, get elected, and run for and get yourself elected to the top
post.  Those of you who share Dave's assessment and vision, run for the
board.  Fight with Dave for leadership responsibilities.  Better yet, share
them.

Doing the diagnostic is easy, doing the work is hard.

Been there, done some of that.  My wife would ever once in awhile ask me,
"You are doing this to yourself for what reason, at what cost of time and
money?"  There is a reason most BoD members only last one term.

Historically Yours,
                   James Rice
                   CORSA member since mid-70's
                   Former Chairman of the Competition Committee
                   Member of original CPF Advisorary Committee
                   CORSA/CPF BoD member and CPF Liaison 1999-01
                   Occasional contributor to the Communique
                   PCG member

**********************************************

Message: 8
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:07:58 -0600
From: "Dave Keillor" <dkeillor at tconcepts.com>
Subject: <VV> Corsa Discussions
To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>

This discussion reminds me of the old saying, "When all is said and done,
there is usually more said than done."  I, too, have suggestions and a
design for a possible website, but suggestions, ideas, and website designs
aren't what is needed right now.

Corsa needs an executive leader who will drive the reinvention of the
organization.  Corsa has a board of directors and a couple of worker bees in
Harry and Mike, but where is the leader?  I have never seen a successful
business model that gives a BoD leadership responsibilities.
Governance, yes, but not leadership.

Following are ten board responsibilities listed by BoardSource, in their
booklet "Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards."

1. Determine the Organization's Mission and Purpose

2. Select the Executive

3. Support the Executive and Review His or Her Performance

4. Ensure Effective Organizational Planning

5. Ensure Adequate Resources

6. Manage Resources Effectively

7. Determine and Monitor the Organization's Programs and Services

8. Enhance the Organization's Public Image

9. Serve as a Court of Appeal

10. Assess Its Own Performance

Corsa needs an executive leader and until it has one, nothing
substantive will happen.

Dave Keillor