It's been years now since I've been treasurer for SATB; during the 2 1/2 years I held the position, the potential for conflict was ever present. I was the treasurer, a junior caller of the club, and a club caller's partner.
Given that my professional accreditation as an accountant could be affected by volunteer positions as well as paid employment, I played it very close to the cuff in creating/assessing even apparent conflicts.
The solution for me was like yours; reserve any personal ambition for when my involvements allowed it.
I abstained from all board votes on caller issues within the club - I contributed to the discussions where appropriate but within the scope of the treasurer's functions only.
My calling duties during the period were also on a volunteer basis, as Board volunteers are prohibited from holding paid positions in the organization - I simply subbed in at classes where needed and didn't concentrate very heavily on calling during the time.
Once out of the treasurer position, I became aware of how much easier these restrictions had made it for the other board members from other club members - in those rare instances where a conflict was perceived by a member, the board members were able to counter with the facts of my activities.
It was time well spent and I learned a great deal about the club's operations and my own ability to be tactful when I choose. I now exercise it occasionally. :)
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Date: 2008-09-24 05:44 pm (UTC)It's been years now since I've been treasurer for SATB; during the 2 1/2 years I held the position, the potential for conflict was ever present. I was the treasurer, a junior caller of the club, and a club caller's partner.
Given that my professional accreditation as an accountant could be affected by volunteer positions as well as paid employment, I played it very close to the cuff in creating/assessing even apparent conflicts.
The solution for me was like yours; reserve any personal ambition for when my involvements allowed it.
I abstained from all board votes on caller issues within the club - I contributed to the discussions where appropriate but within the scope of the treasurer's functions only.
My calling duties during the period were also on a volunteer basis, as Board volunteers are prohibited from holding paid positions in the organization - I simply subbed in at classes where needed and didn't concentrate very heavily on calling during the time.
Once out of the treasurer position, I became aware of how much easier these restrictions had made it for the other board members from other club members - in those rare instances where a conflict was perceived by a member, the board members were able to counter with the facts of my activities.
It was time well spent and I learned a great deal about the club's operations and my own ability to be tactful when I choose. I now exercise it occasionally. :)