Sunday, August 5, 2018
Not Invented Here Syndrome
New governing board members can bring in the not invented here syndrome. It comes out with phrases like, “I wasn’t on the board when that decision was made” and “That happened before my time.”
What is meant is, “I don’t agree with that decision. I wasn’t in a position of authority so that decision doesn’t count.”
There is a time to review, investigate and discuss prior board decisions. Often tens of hours have been invested in a board decision. Confidential information is often considered in making a momentous decision. To reopen an item for discussion takes formal action by the board.
Until a governing board decides to review a past decision, it stands for all future boards.
