Dear Mark:
I am honored by your invitation to serve on the Facebook board.
Before responding, I’d like to offer my congratulations and sincere respect to you for creating a company that is built on social value and helps people around the globe connect to make a tremendous positive difference. I also want to acknowledge you for bringing on Sheryl Sandberg as COO. Please tell Sheryl I applaud her valued contributions at Facebook and her strong commanding voice for women.
At this time, however, I cannot accept the nomination.
“Why?” you ask.
I’m pleased that you want to know. My response follows.
Since all the brewhaha over the lack of women on the Facebook board, your competitors have been very active. Because Facebook is a trend setting company, many others in the social media space attempted to “crystal ball” your response to the outcry. The phones of savvy women have been ringing off the hook. Women on boards are suddenly a “must have.” Again, I want to thank you for making this difference.
But I have not accepted any other invitations either.
Again you ask “Why?”
Your curiosity bodes well for the future, as It will allow you and your company to transform, continuously.
The reason is based on my commitment to The Rule of 3, which indicates that for the non-majority (those not in power) voice to be heard, 3 members of said groups must participate in conversations. In fact, they play a role in determining which conversations are critical for the group. Until the Facebook board includes 3 or more women, it is likely that too much pressure will be put on what’s been deemed important in the past – short term bottom line results. This means you may well lose the real social and economic value of what you have built.
Did I hear you correctly Mr. Z? You WILL consider adding another woman to the board?
I thought that’s what you said. Two is not three, but it is a beginning.
Here are a few organizations that can help.
and may I also recommend Gabriella Sannino, founder and head social mediologist at Level343. Her actions seamlessly weave social, business and economic value. She would indeed be a valued voice at the table.