Nothing could be further from the truth. The executive and the board must act in unison, demonstrating a spirit of cooperation and an attitude that joint decisions are most often the best decisions. When decisions cannot be reached, then compromise should be emphasized. Citizen input and expertise from the board members is an essential value that the executive must incorporate in his or her management approach. Frank, truthful and frequent communication between the partners is absolutely necessary.
Some executives see their boards as burdens rather than as resources.
Chief executives who see board members as another special interest they have to try to satisfy are usually not very successful. Board members will admit that they are not as knowledgeable about the agency as their executive. They are not expected to be. Board members want feedback from the executive on the effects of their decisions. Some board members have complained that they approve expenditures, but never hear about them or the effect the agency has on the public it serves.