Back to SIHOs, I spotted one in full glory this evening at a dance event. It was one of those community events that allowed ordinary folks to mingle with the dancers and the staff.<P>However, there is one thing about this type of events that can go awry. When you have Self-Important Hangers-On (SIHO) mingling with the audience, there is much potential for harm.<P>I overheard one person clearly identify herself as a board member before making an artistic statement about "gaps" in the work. Even if she later expressed confidence that the choreographer would be able to fix the gaps by the premiere, the damage had been done, as the initial comment was made within earshot of audience members. And then she had the gall to admonish a visiting artist over some issues about shared technical scheduling. This was all within earshot of other people of course.<P>Now tell me if this is not an effective way to turn off community support for a company. If I were to be developing donors or board members for this company, I'd probably now turn my attention elsewhere. I wouldn't want to expose my friends to this SIHO.<P>One company I used to give money freely to had rules for board members, among which were: 1. Don't immediately identify yourself as a board member as if it were the most important position in the company; 2. Remind yourself that you serve on the board, with the keyword being "serve."<p>[This message has been edited by Azlan (edited October 09, 2001).]
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