The article discusses the practice of side conversations among
company directors and how they can impact the effectiveness of
board meetings. The challenge is that board meetings often have
packed agendas, making addressing every question and concern
difficult. Directors naturally start having side conversations between
meetings to exchange opinions, share information, and exert
influence. When appropriately conducted, the positive is that side
conversations can enhance board efficiency. They enable directors to
collaborate effectively by leveraging their expertise and fostering
collaboration. The negative is that side conversations are improper
and can have negative consequences. They can lead to political
manoeuvring, exclude valuable expertise, create inappropriate
alliances, and result in poor decision-making. Too many side
conversations can mean a growing distrust between employees and
leadership and that employees are not giving valuable input during
meetings. This breakdown in company culture can result in losing
collaboration and company growth (Proliant, 2022). They can also
limit diverse input and contribute to dysfunctional boards.
Back channels may be valuable for directors to establish connections
and exchange knowledge. But it's critical to be aware of the hazards
that may arise from using back channels, such as the chance that they
could be exploited to sabotage the board's decision-making
procedure. Boards should create a culture where directors feel
comfortable sharing their views, even if they differ from the majority.
This will help ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are
made in the organization's best interests. According to the explicit
policies that boards should have, directors should not participate in
activities that might compromise the board's decision-making
process. This includes influencing other directors, forming
partnerships, or disclosing private data.
When it comes to the e-commerce industry, side conversations can
have both good and bad effects.
Positive impacts:
• Sharing ideas and knowledge: Side conversations among e-
commerce professionals can spark new ideas and help people
learn from each other. They can share tips and stay updated on
the latest trends, leading to more industry innovation.
• Building relationships: Casual chats create opportunities for e-
commerce professionals to connect and build networks. They
can form partnerships and collaborations that benefit their
businesses and help the industry grow.
Negative impacts:
• Unequal information: Side conversations may exclude some
people, leading to a lack of fairness in the industry. When
information is shared only among a select few, it can create
imbalances and hinder fair competition.
• Miscommunication and conflicts: Side conversations that leave
out essential stakeholders can lead to misunderstandings and
conflicts. It can disrupt effective communication and decision-
making in the industry.
• Privacy and security risks: Sometimes, side conversations
involve sharing sensitive information. If not handled carefully,
this can put privacy and security at risk, damaging the
reputation of e-commerce businesses.
To maintain a healthy balance, the e-commerce industry should
encourage the positive aspects of side conversations, like sharing
knowledge and building relationships. At the same time, it's essential
to ensure transparency, fairness, and open communication among all
industry participants. This way, the industry can benefit from side
conversations while minimizing potential drawbacks.
Side conversations within the e-commerce industry can affect the
people and organizations involved differently.
Internal stakeholders (employees, managers, executives):
• Collaboration and teamwork: Side conversations can foster
collaboration among internal stakeholders, enabling them to
exchange ideas, brainstorm solutions, and work together more
effectively.
• Employee engagement: Casual chats can boost employee
morale and make them feel more connected to their work and
colleagues. When employees feel comfortable engaging in
conversations, it can create a positive work environment and
strengthen relationships within the organization.
• Knowledge sharing: Side conversations allow people to share
their experiences and learn from each other, which can improve
their skills and decision-making. This can increase the
organization's knowledge, allowing employees to make more
informed decisions and improve performance.
External stakeholders (such as customers, suppliers, and partners):
• Customer satisfaction: Side conversations among employees
can indirectly impact customers by improving service quality,
product offerings, and overall customer experience. When
employees collaborate and share information, it can positively
influence customer value.
• Supplier and partner relationships: Side conversations can
strengthen relationships with suppliers and partners by
facilitating open communication, trust, and collaboration. This
can lead to more efficient supply chains, better negotiation
outcomes, and mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Industry reputation: External stakeholders may form opinions
about a company or the e-commerce industry based on side
conversations they observe or hear about. Positive side
conversations that demonstrate expertise, ethics, and
innovation can enhance the industry's reputation and attract
more stakeholders.
Side conversations may have adverse effects, but if they have a
healthy balance and ensure they align with the organization's goals
and values, it is best to encourage positive and inclusive discussions
while respecting privacy can maximize the benefits for everyone in
the e-commerce industry.
Reference
Proliant. (2022, January). 4 Steps to Building a Strong Collaborative
Culture. https://blog.proliant.com/collaborative-culture
