Here's the scenario: we're in the public library board room, interviewing the last of the applicants for the directorship. There are four trustees and three employees of the library, plus the interviewee. Half-way through the interview, one of the board members gets up and just leaves. No excuse, no goodbye, no sorry to interrupt.<br><br>I felt pretty sorry for the interviewee, and pretty ashamed for us. But that's me. What do you all think of that person's behavior? Do you think it's OK?<br><br>Great wits are sure to madness near allied.--John Dryden, "Absalom and Achitophel"

no it's not ok!!<br><br>Giaguara<br>

And noone knew this person was gonna leave beforehand? Did this person leave for good or did they come back? Was there something that happened prior or did they just get up and leave?<br><br>If there was nothing, then that's just crass and rude both to the interviewee and the rest of the board. Perhaps an opening on the board is imminent? <br><br>

If it was one in a series of interviews of the day, it is not unusual for one of the group to get up. In fact, saying something may, in some cases be more disruptive than discretely getting up.<br>If it was a Board made up of citizens (which is usually what Library Boards are made of) then the person getting up was not all that bad. After all, there were seven people in the room and the interviewee should have a thick skin when dealing with a Library Board or any "Non-Profit" orginization. <br>I understand how you feel, but it really wasn't that big a deal. If he/she wasn't adding anything to the interview, it was merely an attendance matter.<br>Remember, they are donating their time.<br>IMO<br><br>

Well, all of us, even the employees who stayed long after their ususal quitting time, were donating time--you're right about that.<br><br>Great wits are sure to madness near allied.--John Dryden, "Absalom and Achitophel"

I'm in HR for a not-for-profit and have to agree with you. That board member represents your library in your community and his/her actions reflect on your organization, staff and volunteers. That individual's actions, I feel do not cast a positive image of your organization. The candidate for your Director's position may read this as a negative point for any decision they may have to make in regards to accepting an offer. I know how I would feel if a member of the selection committee was just to get up and walk out! The message I would receive is that I (your board member) really don't care what happens and my time is more important than that of the other members and candidate, so don't count on me for any help or support. Sorry if got long winded, but without GOOD, SUPPORTIVE and DEDICATED volunteers not-for-profits suffer. The role of the staff is already hard enough without having to take on the responsibilities of lay leaders.<br><br><br>"The day people stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them." Colin Powell

There simply is no excuse in my opinion, but I can respect the idea that it might be more of an interruption to say something rather than just getting up and leaving.<br><br>[color:red] Kiss My Banana!</font color=red><br>Visit me here!

one of the board members gets up and just leaves. No excuse, no goodbye, no sorry to interrupt.<br><br>That person finaly realize that the interview is just another (interogation) an (enqisition) I never understood why.<br><br>That there is this 7 people agains't 1 person?? This stand in front of a court so to speak - applicant must go through a medievil practice just to get a job.<br><br>A personal office that is well seasoned should be able to do the job with one person conducting the interview.<br><br>So much for educators - stop that practice now.<br><br>

You didn't say that in your original post. (staying late)<br>I guess the many that I have sat through have never raised that issue either when others leave or I have to. However, and it is a big however, I certainly can understand and agree that it was probably an uncomfortable situation.<br><br>

Well...apparently you have never sat through a police interview (for job, not interogation! LOL)<br><br>I have and it's no fun..definately like an inquisition...but one of the hoops that must be jumped through.<br><br>