Micromanagement. We've all been there, whether we've experienced it or done it ourselves. When you have a board that micromanages, it can often lead to a problem. Here are some ways to deal with a board that micromanages.

1. How to Deal with a
Micromanaging
Board
By !
Marilyn Gardner !
Lawyer

2. Why do
boards
micromanage?
• They care about the
company
• They want to add
value

3. That’s a good thing,
right?
• Board members often
micromanage because they don’t
know how else to add value
Not always…
• They spend their time trying to
revamp everything
• It often distracts from the big
picture

4. What can I do to fix
it?
Here are
some ideas:

5. Engage the board in
talks about how they
can evaluate the
reputation and name
of an organization

6. Build agendas focusing on
the big picture:
• Values
• Mission
• Success
• Measuring progress
towards big goals

7. Provide a financial
dashboard to make it
easy for board
members to track
financial progress

8. Implement an annual budget and authority
policy to give the Chief Executive clear
direction
• This will minimize the number
of times the Chief Executive
feels compelled to ask the
board for permission before
doing something

9. Create a board
action calendar of
compliance and
governance due
dates

10. Clarify roles and divide
responsibility for such
activities as:
• Book-keeping
• Bank statements
• Check-signing

11. Educate the board on various
risk management protections the
organization has in place

12. Bring in a !
professional
• A consultant to
provide board
training
• A more
experienced
board member
to set an
example

13. Have the Chief Executive take
stock of the company’s
performance and consider what
further steps can be taken to re-
establish confidence and trust