What's on Board members' minds?

Problem is, Mary's in a hurry. Not just today, but every day. She breezed into the meeting about 15 minutes after the meeting started, which was a half hour after the meeting was supposed to begin. And she is ready to leave right after the budget discussion because her boss has an appointment lined up with a new client and she needs to be there. Mary's idea of giving priority to Do-Good's work is to allow about 2 hours for getting to, being in and getting back from any board meeting.

Now we're beginning to see just how the psycho-graphics are complicated by the board person's job responsibilities, their internal agenda and personal objectives, and their various levels of ability in managing time and attention. Now we're beginning to get to the heart of the issue. Could you see it coming? The issue has been set up in such a way that it doesn't have a prayer of succeeding. Or if it does, somebody's going to develop an ulcer over it.

Who else is around the table? Can the CEO look to May? Well, that's a matter of some speculation. She didn't notice the increase in the Development Department budget. She doesn't like that area; she concentrates on service delivery and likes to see how her gifts, which are not insubstantial, are being used, as represented in the various service delivery budget categories. She likes to imagine all the people being served, since it gives her a sense of satisfaction and "return on investment."

The fact that Mary didn't notice the budget increase is embarrassing when Paul brings this up, so she has to find a way to adjust her own image of herself in the group. So she's working on that, plus it's doubly irritating that she once again she's going to have to try to tone down the Development Department's pension for bothering her wealthy friends for more money. She's preparing her speech as the discussion proceeds, looking for the right opportunity to jump in, but carefully choosing her words. She's nothing if not a diplomat in these circumstances.

Sam didn't see it coming either. But once the CEO began his explanation he could see that what is being asked for is not only reasonable but will have a long-term payoff that is very much needed by the organization for its future health. Sam is laid back on this one, because he knows the homework has been done. He's also one up on most of the rest of the Board because he just committed to a five-year pledge and feels a little smug about it. He won't use that unless he needs to in the discussion, however.

Gloria, too, is in the CEO's corner, because she knows the financial need. She hasn't yet connected with the fact that sooner or later she's going to be asked for a really big multiple-year commitment, because she still feels safe hiding behind the old standby that "accountants don't get paid that much." Besides, Paul really ticks her off, the way he comes on, the way he talks about things. The two of them have knocked heads before. And she lost the last bout with him, so this time she's got it in for this arrogant attorney.

So what's your thought? Does the CEO have a prayer of succeeding with this group? Is he going to get his database software and his hew-hire?