It was the night of the AGM. We were all gathered around to see who would be elected for the next two years. There were more nominees than places which meant those who had put their hand up would have to say a few words about why they should be on the committee.
A grand entrance and one by one everyone gave us their spiel. Some were nervous, in fact all were – you could see it in their faces and in their actions. Some could not stand still – their arms were waving all over the place – it was hard to concentrate on what they had to say because of their body moving and shaking – like a leaf on a tree when the wind is rustling through its branches – it hangs on for dear life hoping the wind will go somewhere else.
The above scenario is acted out with regularity and particularly at this time of the year. Many nominate, put their hand up to be on a committee. Why do they do that?
That answer can only come from within. From my experience some do so because it will look good on their CV, others are serious about their commitment and will work hard to achieve the constitutional goals. However while the passion and enthusiasm is there in the beginning, far too many don’t do what they have said they would and leave it up to the Chair and the rest of the committee. This is not fair and if you are going to nominate for a place on anything – be it community, state, federal it is essential that you think about why you are putting your hand up. Is it self serving? Do you have time to commit? Will you stay with the commitment for your tenure? Are you only interested in what you can get out of it?
Certainly before I commit to a committee I will find out exactly what the requirements and commitments are because I have been caught out with being told there would only be a few hours commitment when the reality was very different. I am only interested in being on committees if I am passionate and enthusiastic about their function because it takes my time away from other things but to nominate just because I want to look good is wrong.
Recently I spoke to the Chair of a successful committee who has taken the group to new heights in the past few years. She found over time that there were very few of her committee who did anything. Because she is a naturally hard worker and a Think, Do, Done it type of person, they left it to her! They were obviously just there for the ride and too busy with other things to hold themselves accountable to their earlier commitment. This creative woman was not halted by this; she set up steering groups which meant those who took the group to new-levels worked hard but did not get any of the credit.
This situation is a two edged sword: those who are in groups who want people on their committee need to be very honest and tell those who nominate exactly what will be required and not minimise the commitment and those who put their hand up need to ask the same questions and be sure that they can fulfil their obligations for the whole period they have been elected.
Source: Merydith Willoughby