LUE ENTERPRISES
Life, the Universe, and Everything*
Musings from Linda / LUE-42 Enterprises      Issue #113, July 2020

How was your June? Mine wasn't as tough as May, but it was bizarre -- as though I was in a holding pattern. You might have felt it, too. I think the phased in openings of some businesses and people not being quite sure how to be in the world put us off balance. My physical, mental, optical, and dental health all rioted while I tried to navigate things. But hey, I managed a haircut. I wasn't desperate for one because I was still enjoying the $4 temporary purple highlights from Dollarama. No, I went because my hairdresser is also a small business owner who has taken a hit during this. We need to support each other where we can, and that was something I could do. 

Projects started to open up again too, and in some cases, stop again. Challenges I've faced over the past few months are also showing signs of easing up, and I am well ready for that. Quality on-line training remains available and so I've earned loads of continuing professional development points. Although not board-related, I finally completed Level 1 of the Certified Cicerone Program. Just when I think I know something about beer, I write the Certified Beer Server exam that demonstrates how little I really do know. But I passed, and that was my goal. I'm not sure what I'll do about the other levels of Cicerone, as they are very difficult to do without working in the hospitality industry. I'm more of an "interested bystander" of that industry.

I have been reading many books, and some on themes I never thought I'd enjoy. My entire knowledge of King Arthur et al was through Monty Python and a Disney cartoon. Now I know a bit more and I'm enjoying the series by Tracy Cooper Posey. I also redoubled my efforts to emulate my mom by doing crossword and other word puzzles. Hopefully this will fire up the brain cells that I've killed watching Hallmark movies. Lord help me, I also found myself watching cooking shows for a couple of weeks. Oddly compelling. I'm just grateful that I have work to do. As for my juggling? I am still working on it but it's sloooooow going.


I had an unconventional birthday this year, but it was still good and it was awesome to hear from so many people. I am so grateful for all the quality humans I have in my life! 

July kicks off the second half of the year. Did you make any resolutions? How about just have a  Happy Canada Day! 

canadian_flag.jpg
/lmwe

Question: What happens when a board member doesn't acknowledge an obvious conflict of interest?
ANSWER: Stop deliberating until it is resolved -- even if it takes several meetings.

     Isolation time has been a good time for boards to examine their conflict of interest policies and fine tune accordingly. Most boards I talk to have a policy that works well enough for when a board member declares a conflict of interest (or possible conflict of interest). 
     You declare, you leave, the board discusses and decides. If the board believes there is a conflict of interest, they decide the matter while you're gone. If the board doesn't think there is a conflict of interest, they invite you back to participate in deliberations and voting. And all of those declarations, discussions, decisions, and votes end up in the minutes (an essential paper trail for when something hits the fan). 
      Where boards don't have success with their Conflict of Interest policies is when the director doesn't acknowledge or agree with the conflict of interest. 
      BoardSource suggests it's the Chair's responsibility to navigate this landscape . " During the meeting, the Chair needs to remind the board member in question and ask him or her to recuse him or herself. The reminder can be a gentle comment first but, if necessary, the discussion should be stopped until all disqualified members have left. That is the only way to show that the policy is being enforced."
     You and I both know that board Chairs are not created equally. That is why I remin d boards that any voting member of the board not only can, but must, call out conflict of interest when they see it. The "call out" shouldn't be rude or disrespectful, but it needs to get the topic in front of the board so it can be decided: Is there a conflict of interest or not?
     BoardSource goes on to say that to avoid public embarrassment at a meeting the board can opt to go in camera (i.e., Executive session) to sort this out. In this case, the in camera session is not used to deliberate the issue, but rather to come to a decision about that director and the alleged conflict of interest. This could go quickly or it could take a series of meetings, but the point is to not discuss/decide the issue AT ALL until the matter of the director and the conflict of interest is settled and recorded. 
     BoardSource also suggests that reminding directors of their duty of loyalty (part of the Fiduciary responsibility) never gets old. I agree. So have courage and call out conflict of interest when you see it.

/lmwe
Shout Out to s ome people who made my life better in June:  MaryJane Alanko, Marg & Bill Carmichael, Brian D. Edwards, Mandy Foster & Dave Sutherland, Liz Garratt, Jim Gwartney, Gloria Killins, Lynn MacAskill, Karen MacKenzie, Joan Seath, Donna Stonehocker, Theresa Tsoukalas, Elana & Jason West

"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down." -- Oprah Winfrey
Links We Like

 

Read "The Ikabog" by JK Rowling   (Free online until July 10)
Efficient Use of Board Time (Good article covers the basics)
6 Tips to Be a Better Listener (Ken Blanchard offers good reminders)
Three Italian Shoes (Coming to life! Amazing)
12 Uses of WD-40 (Some might be new to you)
Wish I'd Said That

"I guess ice cream is one of those things that are beyond imagination." -- Lucy Maude Montgomery

"I have the right to life, liberty, and chicken wings." -- Mindy Kaling

"Wisdom of the Ages: Do the aliens on the moon pull down thier pants and 'earth' their friends for fun?" -- Matthew Heines

"A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous." -- Ingrid Bergman

"Popcorn, chocolate, coffee, ice cream, and pizza. The five food groups. Health nuts are going to feel stupid one day,  dying of nothing."   -- Kelly Moran, Puppy Love

"Adjust the tuning, try a new translation." --  Carly Simon, Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of
Alternatives to Overeating When You're Bored

     Weight and Wellness Coach (and friend) Claudette Pelletier-Hannah recently blogged about battling boredom during isolation. She offered up some alternatives to hitting the fridge. Here's a summary:
    1. Write something
    2. Perform an act of kindness
    3. Create a scrapbook of travel photos
    4. Try a walking meditation
    5. Learn something new
    6. Be a tourist in your own town

    7. Take a drive out of town

    8. Go on a picnic
    9. Get a colouring book (NB: Try Jason Momoa! Outlander was just too much plaid)
    10. Make a vision board with plans for the future   
        
        Here's a link to the blog.
 
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 LUE-42 Enterprises                                                                                        #BeKiind

* with fond acknowledge to Douglas Adams and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
LUE-42 Enterprises
lue42@shaw.ca
http://www.lue42.com