Posted by Dr. Bob on October 17, 2005, at 1:48:07
In reply to Re: My Mini Novel » alexandra_k, posted by thuso on October 15, 2005, at 19:40:27
> If you decide on an idea like this, I would also suggest that you set minimum time limits on membership or a minimum number of posts before they can apply to take on a leadership role. The best leaders will be those who have already taken ownership of the board. That won’t happen if they’re new or haven’t posted much.
That's been a factor in choosing deputies already...
> What might be good is when you finally have this structure in place and the people are chosen, you stay on as a consultant for a while. You can have absolutely nothing to do with the boards or even ever come on, but if the leadership has questions or a big issue that they don’t know how to deal with appropriately, they have the ability to consult with an expert. And even if you permanently leave forever, it would be good for the board to have a professional there to act as a consultant. And only the leadership (CEO or BoD) would be able to contact this person for advice on administrative/board related issues. That person can have absolutely no association with the board other than to be available for the leadership to ask pertinent questions. Just a thought.
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> thusoGood thoughts, thanks!
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> I don't think it was the 'I'm not going to be here forever' remark that was a shock... It was more that you didn't seem sad or upset or anything about that. And it was unclear... Whether that was something that you wanted because you are sick of us :-( And so... Maybe we worry because we are wondering whether Babble is in your 2 year plan or your 5 year plan or whatever...
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> alexandra_kI'm not sick of you, and getting rid of me may be harder than you think... :-)
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> I guess the problem is that we keep using political leadership terms (i.e. monarch or tyrant). I think we would be better off describing his managerial leadership style rather than compare him to a political leadership style. I think that would fit much better.
That's an interesting idea. How do people categorize managerial leadership styles?
> I personally see it as a problem if the moderators have a big conflict. I can understand them working through little problems, but once a big problem shows up I don’t think it would be good for the community to see the leadership arguing. At least to me, it would undermine their authority
As Alex said, they would have the option of arguing privately, but seeing them try to figure out what's best for the boards might not be such a bad thing, either.
> A big group of leaders is a very bad idea...especially when there is no hierarchical structure.
IMO, big groups in general need structure, and I think even a small group of leaders would need *some* structure.
> I’m a strong believer in the need to have a leader that can be a guide and a strong pillar that the community respects and knows will stand strong to keep the community running.
I think a leader can make a big difference, but with a good enough infrastructure, a community can keep running even without strong leadership...
> It might even be wise for Dr. Bob to choose the person(s) and train them so that when he is ready to leave, he can slowly let them take over until his job is gone. It would help us learn to trust them and have respect for their authority and see that Dr. Bob's leaving isn’t going to be as bad as it seems. Just a thought.
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> thusoAnother good thought! :-)
Bob
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:564410
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20051013/msgs/568016.html