How would handle this kind of conflict about a business decision?

Question

I was asked to join the leadership board of a business that is having financial problems because they felt my point of view would be valuable.  A facilitator was hired to assist the board in defining values, goals, and formulating a plan to move the business forward.

The facilitator established a rule that all of us (24) had to agree unanimously before we could move forward on any plan.  After five hours of negotiations, we voted.  Everyone voted yes, except me.  I voted no because voting yes violated my conscience, my ethics, and my vision for what I think is best, and I care very much about this business and what it is trying to do.  

I was verbally attacked at the meeting for voting no, and I was ordered to change my vote by the other members.  I did not change my vote, and now we have to reconvene in four weeks to continue this exercise.  This was extremely adversarial, personally insulting, and stressful for me beyond words.  Two days ago the board told me they were voting me out because I'm "obstructing the process."  This is fine with me, so I said great, fantastic.

Tonight I was informed that when the facilitator found out I was kicked off he refused to continue working with the board because of ethical issues, and he will not refund the money that he has already been paid for his services.  So I was told by the board to come back, but to vote yes with everybody else and not to be an obstructionist.  I found this extremely funny, but once again, I was the only one who shared my views.

What would you do if you were in this situation?  I will make a decision in a few days, but I would like others' opinions because I've never experienced anything like this before.

(My plan right now is to attend the next board meeting and make an announcement to the effect that I do not support the board and its plans, but I do not wish to obstruct them, so I am voluntarily resigning.)

(I know this is long.  Thank you for taking the time to read it.)

Kenneth J · Accepted Answer

Bravo . You are doing what is he right thing to do by sticking to your opinion as to what is best for the company and not being bullied into voting against what will save the company and move forward as you were ask to do when you started this job. If they sink the boat they can't blame you and you will be a better person for not allowing them to bully you into voting to do it their way. You have earned my respect for doing the job the way you were ask to do when you accepted their offer to help come up with a plan to move the company forward.So just stick to your plan and let them make the major mistake and hold you head high for being the honest person who expressed their opinion as to what was best for the company and for not being a yes person who didn't want to stand by what they felt was best for the company.

curiositas49 · Answer

First ... an excellent post -well stated with all the salient points.

What would I do?  Exactly as you've done -and plan to do (including to attend the next board meeting, affirm your position [not supporting their plans] and then voluntary resign]).

I admire your ethics, the articulation of your values, and what seems to me to be a strong sense-of-self.  Be proud of who you are!

Yak Rider · Answer

Tell them "best of luck" and "I'm not coming back." 

In any case, a unanimous vote is rather ridiculous.  A 2/3 or 3/4 majority should be good enough.

Beverly S · Answer

Girl, you should run for President!  It's time people start standing up for what they believe in rather than being forced to vote for something just to make others happy.  Very proud of you & I believe you are doing the best thing.

robert p · Answer

Whats the point of an unanimous vote if they want to get rid of dissent.




pray.

Anonymous · Answer

You handled that situation perfectly and courageously and voluntarily resigning, I believe, is the best thing to do.

You are a truly impressive human being.

? · Answer

Sounds like you're doing the right thing. I'm not sure, however, that you need to go back, however. The only advantage of showing up is that you get your comments on the record, for whatever that's worth.

? · Answer

Voluntary resignation sounds like the best bet.  I don't think I'd want my good name to be associated with a bunch of people like that anyway.

wider scope · Answer

Follow your heart in all matters.  If you feel strongly about something, therein lies your choice.

- no regrets.

Take care.

Anonymous · Answer

Stick to your guns. Huzzah!

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How would handle this kind of conflict about a business decision?

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