Professional Development--Part 9: Managing Your Directors

      EMS needs good leaders and managers. What can you do to become one? This is the latest installment of EMS Magazine's Professional Development series, a comprehensive curriculum for forward-thinking EMS providers wishing to improve their leadership and management skills, increase their authority and responsibility within their organizations, and change their field for the better. We welcome your comments on this series and invite ideas for future content. E-mail nancy.perry@cygnusb2b.com.

   You've just landed a new job as executive director for Quality EMS, a commercial agency with contracts in multiple counties, and you feel like you're finally going to be able to make a difference. As you settle into the position, various members of your board of directors call or e-mail you with all sorts of advice, questions and issues. While Dick is focusing on various legislative issues and how they'll impact your agency, Michele seems to be worried about the educational focus in the area, and Ted has his eye on the budget and ways to tweak things to maximize profits.

   Many providers don't realize there are boards of directors in the world of EMS. Some govern EMS agencies, some govern EMS regulatory authorities (regional or statewide), some are in place in national EMS organizations, and some exist at educational institutions. Whatever its scope, understanding the people who make up your board of directors will help you understand its unique personality.

   How do you deal with your board? What are the most important issues on which to communicate with them? How often should they meet? Should staff meet with them? These are common questions when attempting to make sense of the board/staff relationship. This article will deal with some of those questions, as well as the greater issues that surround this unique working relationship.

Survival Strategies

   Below are some strategies to implement if you are to survive this particular interpersonal employment challenge.