Here’s why Company Policies are Vital:
Company Policies are important tools for managing anyone involved with your business. Or organisation. Including Members of the Board. Refer to them especially when someone behaves in a way that is not desired. Of course, it means, they must know your policies. So, make sure everyone has them. And signs off their understanding of them.
I was recently engaged to attend a board meeting. Where I was present as their HR Consultant. The planned issues for discussion were employees. Their contracts and roles.
What I experienced and saw at that meeting was horrible. Two board members were disrespectful. Intimidating and throwing their weight around. By being disruptive. And not listening to anyone else. They had not tabled their agenda for discussion. At that meeting. And where refusing to let it go.
It took a good 10-15 mins to get them to calm down and on track. So, we could have the meeting as planned.
Breaches of more than one company policy and what to do about it
As their HR consultant, it was important for me to tell the board about policy breaches. So, after the meeting I had a discussion with the other Board members. I told them the two difficult board members had breached. A few of their organisations policies:
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment
- Cultural Safety
- Code of Conduct.
As well as Board Member protocol.
Use company procedures as your guide to manage undesirable behaviour
Next, I advised the Board of Directors what how to follow procedures. And what procedures. To deal with the two problem Board Members. Those two Board members created psychosocial hazards for their fellow board members. And the one employee who was present. It wasn’t a simple case of disagreement. It was domineering, overbearing and rude with a few choice words thrown in.
I was also informed about their general behaviour towards other Board Members. And towards employees.
Board members are not immune to following policy.
That’s why it’s so important to have company policies in place. And to enforce them by following their procedures.
So, make sure you have policies. Follow the procedures. And ensure everyone is aware of them. And enforce them. It’s essential to safeguard your employees from any kind of harm in the workplace. That includes board members.
You can follow the same procedure with anyone in your business. To address undesirable behaviour. Remind them of the company policy. That relates to their behaviour. And warn them. That any further breach could result in ending their involvement with your business.
Want to discuss this or any workforce issue with me? Book a FREE 15-min discovery call. https://kingconsulting.com.au/15-min-discovery-call/