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Tips For Chairing Committees
Effectively
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Lead by example:
be Prepared, be Punctual, be Positive.
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Begin with the end in mind:
open each session by getting participants to “buy in “ to meeting objectives,
duration and desired outcomes. Review these in your opening remarks (and make
that is item #1 on your agenda).
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Delegate:
ensure committee member “ownership” in desired outcome by inviting them to “do”
something to support your goals (Advice, Action, Attitude).
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Promote Fairness:
ensure equal
opportunity for members to speak; treat staff as partners and have realistic
expectations of the amount of work that should be asked from them (given their
other responsibilities).
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Document:
provide agenda prior
to each meeting (at least 4 days); agenda should contain location information
(and contact telephone number there); start/end time; verbs describing each
business item to be discussed versus decided upon; date and location of next
meeting. Ensure that minutes are circulated within 12 days of each
meeting/teleconference, and make sure action and responsibility decisions are
easy to find in the minutes (suggest separate right-hand column).
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In some cases, Chairs send
a quick “to do list” summary the day after the meeting by e-mail, to help
everyone “stay on the same page”.
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Support your Team:
ask members about
their experience on your Committee in between meetings – call them or visit.
Encourage suggestions.
Consider implementing the
“positive” rule: Anyone who voices a problem must also offer a
potential solution.
Say THANK YOU often
and publicly. Ensure that the organization’s membership know of the
accomplishments and those responsible.
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