Question: vice president issues

I'm a newly elected president and am already having problems with my VP trying to take over.last year I was VP and she really wanted the the office, well last month she was the only runner so she got it. My problem is she is very vocal about how she needs to be my co president, which isn't happening. She has a very aggressive personality and is already talking about how things will bee changing now that she's on the board.last year when I was VP the president made all decisions that didn't have to be voted on, not me.how can I establish control as the president and not let her over take everything.i have no problem delegating but just.don't want this situation to get out off hand

Asked by Anonymous

Answers:

Community Advice

sarahpumpkin writes:
I wish I had an answer for you and encourage you to hang in there. I'm in the new president boat with a contentious VP as well and it's not fun. Maybe there's something in your bylaws about specific responsibilities for each role that you can use as a reminder for her? I'm sorry I couldn't help but wanted you to know you're not alone!

Community Advice

newpres33 writes:
In the definition of VP, it states that they are support for the president. I feel like she is just dying to take over. it honestly reminds me of high school all over again, i'm not doing this position to compete i'm doing it because i'm very involved and committed to improving my sons school. I'm trying to set up a, meeting with the former president before meeting with the principal next week so I can figure everything out, find the contact info for vendors etc . I'm trying not to go into this blind. School starts back in July and the principal wants me in immediately to get things set up. I'm just curious how many other presidents treat their VP as, an.equal decision maker? I just feel like i'm going to have to keep boundaries up. I sent out letter to welcome new kindergarten parents and just signed it with my name and office and she was very upset and vocal to another mom about her name not being included. I spoke to the principal prior to sending out put who said that was the.correct thing to sign...it just frustrating

Advice from PTO Today

Rose H writes:
Hi,
You might want to try having a "summit meeting'' with the vice president. What I mean is invite her out for coffee and, in a non-confrontational way, tell her that you have observed her upset over a particular issues (have a specific example) and ask her what is concerning her. Ask her to share her feelings and see what she has to say. She may reveal a legitimate concern that you two can resolve, or she may get aggressive and say something like she's worried that things won't get done (or some other general challenge). Acknowledge her concerns and let her know you to always hear her thoughts. But, you also want to set the ground rules between the two of you so that you are both happy and productive in what you are doing this coming year. Tell her you want things to go smoothly so you can both stay focused on the PTO mission.

This article on the role of the vice president will help you a lot. Make sure you both read it!

http://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/660-what-do-vice-presidents-do

Good luck!
Rose C.