Preventive measures are the best approach to handle difficult board members. Make sure your agency’s goals for its board members are clear, and that they are able to align their vision with the organization. This will reduce the number of instances where a board member’s advice is counterproductive. But if a problem arises be proactive and don’t overlook poor behavior. Doing nothing will only make it worse.

It starts with direct intervention – a one-on-one meeting with the individual who is causing trouble. You must be calm and professional but also direct and express your concerns clearly. If you’re not successful, try an intervention in the group with someone the board member respects and/or the chair. You may also want to consider reviewing the Values Statement of your organization More about the author and/or other documents that govern your organization for language that can be used to define acceptable behavior, including treating people with respect and the courtesy.

Another alternative is to ask for the person to leave the board (ideally in a voluntary manner or, if required by a vote of confidence). This will require careful planning and preparation prior to the meeting or conversation. Prepare a detailed answer to the main questions you’d like to address. Be assertive, yet maintain a polite tone.