I am an artist at a co-op; we currently have 11 artists and are always looking for more information about running the co-op. We have been successful for 20 years, with a very relaxed environment and contract with the artists. Right now we are in the midst of a dilemma concerning one of our artists. Last year, we were a bit too eager to admit a photographer to the group. We didn’t take the time that we should have interviewing her and thinking about the chemistry that she would bring to the group. That being said, she is totally wrong for our co-op. She has alienated each of us from the beginning with her demands for space, her lack of commitment to working as a team and her disrespect for the group as a whole. Her contract is up soon, and frankly, we don’t want her to re-sign. We all have agreed that we don’t want her to be a part of the group, but we’re worried that telling her that and voting her out would be very bad publicity. She may be vocal enough to do a bit of damage to us; however I believe that the group on the whole could overcome it if we had to. We already have another artist waiting to join as soon as this “bad seed” is gone. Any advice you could give would be helpful!
The facts should guide you through this difficult decision. First and certainly most important, you have kept this co-op together for 20 years and you have been successful to boot. I assume successful means you’ve paid your bills, grown in stature in the community, and grown into a tight group of artists dedicated to working to assure that your business will prosper. A member is not living up to her responsibilities, so out she needs to go! This will require careful planning and a high level of diplomacy, but clearly you need to meet with this member and lay out the facts.
A co-op is a form of business that can be difficult to pull off for the very reason you have written to me. Mutual respect for other members and for the co-op as a separate entity is essential. Fact, this is not easy to do and co-ops often fail for this reason. Can you document for her the times when she has not displayed the proper respect to other members and the co-op? This would be a good place to start.
Next, the owners of a business whatever its setup must be able to work as a team. I have one partner and that can be difficult enough. People who can’t work well with others are best off with their own business, no partners, and then they can have things just their way. In your case there are 10 other partners who can function as a team, there really is no need to retain one who can’t.
Is your contract clear about the benefits each member will receive and the amount of time and or money each will be required to invest each year to earn the benefits? If not it would be advisable to clear this up before any new members are allowed to join. And unfortunately if not you won’t be able to use contractual arrangements as a tool in these negotiations. If your contract is clear about benefits and obligations it will be very useful.
In fairness to the member in question I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you about the difficulty a new person encounters trying to find their place in an established group. It sounds like your membership is a tight group; I’m guessing some have been around for the entire 20 years. Just be sure you really gave her a fair chance to be a part of the group. Also be aware that difficult behavior is often the result of insecurity. Is this member being difficult because she can’t find a way into the group?
I would imagine that after 20 years your co-op has many customers and friends in the community. These people know how you have operated the business through the years and will no doubt support the group by continued attendance at your events and by making purchases from your shows.