Others have to work at it a bit. Unfortunately, there are far too many situations in which the relationship does not work at all. Rather than admit this, she becomes more and more controlling and may actually shrink the organization back to a size she can manage. The executive director has been at the organization too long. She feels tired and has lost enthusiasm for the work, but stays in the job because she can t imagine what to do next.
Mediocrity becomes the standard of work.
The executive director is sensitive to criticism, even defensive. She creates a work environment in which only total loyalty to her is acceptable and any questioning of her decisions or directions is perceived as insubordination. Creativity is squelched. The executive director is afraid to ask for money and will not help with fundraising from individual donors. Often this fear is disguised as I can t deal with a bunch of little gifts.