Comments on: How many committees do you belong to?

By: Greg Lee

Greg Lee — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:26:04 +0000

Together we’re better. And none of us is as creative as all of us. Isnt the trick to make sure the committee/group is made up of people who are absolutely necessary, and that a common purpose is shared?

By: David Sable

David Sable — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:59:48 +0000

Turn it to an advantage — I like that — teher are no right answers here — I was just being provacative — but having said that…..

By: Kirsty

Kirsty — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:10:15 +0000

I belong to several. And rather than get frustrated, I’ve tried to learn more about the behaviours of groups to try and turn it to my advantage.

e.g. see http://www.spring.org.uk/2009/09/how-groups-form-conform-then-warp-our-decision-making-productivity-and-creativity.php

Alternatively – fewer people = faster decisions.

By: Dr Wright

Dr Wright — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:57:36 +0000

I belong to NONE_ I realized over 6 months ago that I was at capacity and I needed a break. No groups, unions or committees. I need a little me time!

Dr. Letitia Wright
The Wright Place TV Show
http://wrightplacetv.com
http://www.twitter.com/drwright1

By: David Anders

David Anders — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:45:43 +0000

Ah, this is a tough one. On one hand – the wisdom of crowds. On the other – the cuddly but usually ineffective woobie of consensus and group-think.

Groups are good. We certainly need to understand the value of other perspectives and opinions. But, as a society, we’re becoming too inclusive and polite. In the workplace, this too often means that everyone’s opinion matters (had any painful creative reviews lately?), that no ideas are bad (really?) and that everyone should be on board before a decision is made (glad our front-line troops weren’t surveyed about invading Normandy beforehand).

I think we need to awaken the value of personal achievement and individual accountability. But let me check with a few others first and I’ll get back to you on this…