Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

How to Handle an Overbearing Board of Directors If your board is trying to run your business, it's time to take charge of the situation.

By Dr. David G. Javitch

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Q: I'm the CEO of a growing medical products manufacturing business, and I'm having some trouble with my board of directors. All businesspeople, they are a combination of investors, fellow entrepreneurs and two cousins. The problem is that they all want to run my company, and several have very different ideas. They're driving me nuts. I find them overly involved in company operations, needling me instead of questioning me, and antagonistic and critical of my accomplishments. How do you suggest I deal with the situation?

A: It certainly is challenging trying to meet the needs of your employees, investors, vendors and your board, especially when you are looking for some friendly, or at least objective, advice. As I see it, you have several issues going on here: the role of the board, the communication process and the issue of trust.

First, you need to deal with the role of the board and the communication process. You need to make this clear in your mind, and then in their mind. Boards of directors do not "run" an organization. Typically, they do not get involved in administrative or operational issues, unless they determine that the current officers are significantly ineffective. If that is your situation, then find out specifically where they find you ineffective so that you can address that issue head-on. But for now, let's assume that is not the case. What I suggest you do is scope out very clearly your roles and responsibilities. Identify which roles you believe you perform well, which need some input and which need considerable input. At the same time, invite a confidant on the board to do the same for you. In this way, you'll have two points of view.

Next, share with the board your view of what their roles are, as described above and based on your needs. Use a consultant, if necessary, to assist you. The advantage of a board is that it can offer a variety of perspectives and skills that a CEO may not have. The disadvantage is that the board can become overbearing and intrusive where it is not warranted.

Once you have your list of the areas that you and/or your confidant feel need improvement or outside perspectives, then you can ask or even suggest to the board to decide which individuals can effectively provide you with appropriate feedback in various areas. Explain that while open channels of communication are usually helpful, the numerous phone calls and e-mails from so many of the board members are overloading your circuits.

As a result, you will be decreasing the amount and variety of input you are currently receiving. This will most likely result in a more manageable and acceptable level of input from a selective number of directors.

You'll start to make progress once you take charge of the situation and address the key issues either by yourself or with the assistance of a few board members. During this process, you will be demonstrating your abilities and learning how and where to improve. As a result, the board will begin to trust you more when they see success. And the more success they see, the more they should back off from trying to run your company. Everyone wins! Good luck.

Dr. David G. Javitch is an organizational psychologist, leadership specialist, and President of Javitch Associates in Newton, Mass. Author of How to Achieve Power in Your Life, Javitch is in demand as a consultant for his skills in assessment, coaching, training and facilitating groups and retreats.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Money & Finance

The Government Is Forcing Business Owners to Share Personal Data or Get Fined $10,000 — So Why Don't More People Know About It?

The Treasury Department wants to know who owns your business, and the smaller your business, the more attention you should pay.

Money & Finance

Customers Have a Favorite Payment Method — But 30% of Businesses Don't Accept It. Are You Driving Business Away?

This article examines the surprising gap between what consumers want in payment options and what small businesses currently offer. It also provides strategies for small business owners looking to adapt to these preferences and enhance customer loyalty.

Leadership

Could We Have The First Native American Woman Governor? DEI Expert Weighs In On What Allyship Should Look Like If History Is Made.

We can all learn more about what it means to be a better ally for those who are the "firsts" in their space. Here are three strategies around allyship this DEI expert recommends to her diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) consultancy clients.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

'Additional Human Touch': Starbucks Has a Turnaround Plan That Includes Buying 200,000 Sharpies. Here's Why.

Faced with declining sales, Starbucks has a comeback plan that involves several changes to stores and menus. Here's a look at the changes coming to your store.