Many of us use associations, chambers and other groups as a way to expand and perpetuate our networks. This is a good practice, but one which must be navigated carefully, politely and respectfully.
Recently I ran across a situation where a committee chairman for a group at an organization I frequented took their leadership to another level. Bylaws were rewritten to make provision for their continuation as an officer in the group that were not approved by the committee or organizations’ boards. For whatever reason, this person chose to bend (even break) the rules to make the situation fit their personal agenda.
That’s not ethical, moral, polite or acceptable.
Granted, we all want to push the envelope to get the most out of any situation but you must consider many things about your actions:
- Are your actions within the accepted practices of the organization?
- Do you have the agreement of your peers or governing boards and the organizations management?
- Are you taking into account the greater good of the organization as a whole?
- Will your actions jeopardize the reputation of the organization, its members or yourself?
- Are you committing a crime or breaking the law?
While that last point may be extreme, remember when you serve as a volunteer or board member of an organization, you represent that organization, it’s bylaws or rules and its reputation. As it might be, you are a guest of this group, there to serve the greater good of its mission and goals.
Heavy, right? Yes, but do-able, fair and right. Yes, we need to network. Yes, we need to build our reputations. And, yes, we need to pursue business. However, remember the real mission and abide by the Golden Rule.
Relentless
