Standard Code
Standard Code.
Great meetings are no accident – they are the result
of careful planning and attention to detail. Volunteers and staff members
don’t
have the expertise or the desire to expend on these tasks. That’s
where I can be your secret weapon against frustration, confusion, and
inefficiency. I am Colette Collier Trohan, Parliamentarian and the standard
code of parliamentary training is one of my specialties. The purpose
of a meeting is to take
an action or make a decision toward the fulfillment of the mission, and
meetings that have
not made
measurable progress toward that goal are a wasted resource. I can help
you spend
your time wisely, focusing on the issues rather than the mechanics of
your meeting.
Perhaps the problems are deeper than organization of the meeting event itself. The clue might be in your governance documents, such as the bylaws or policies. A governance document review can expose problem areas or areas of potential danger in which a problem is lurking and waiting for a the most inopportune time to launch. These problem areas might not be easily seen by those who are too close to the situation, but a professional that has experience working with many different types of associations like me can find them and give you the tools you need to disarm them.
The problem might not
be with the paper, but with the people. Good decision-making requires
commitment,
understanding, and discipline. The person presiding over the meeting
needs to understand that role, and acquire a few special skills to keep
the
meeting on track. The members also need basic skills to make their
participation more effective. The only way to acquire those skills is
through training,
and the only way to keep them is through practice. As new members come
onto a board or into an assembly, an ongoing program of training and
support will keep your deliberations at a high-impact level. I don’t have
prefabricated workshops -- all of my training is customized to the specific
needs and
circumstances of my clients.
The most important
task of members of an organization is to elect their board and/or officers.
The integrity
of the election process is fundamentally linked to stability and success.
Safeguards must be put in place to ensure that the ballots are properly
prepared, counted, and reported according to the unique rules and customs
of the association. Problems with an election can cause discord long
after the election has ended. If members count your ballots on site
at a meeting, I can train them how to get an accurate count and accurate
report
that everyone can trust.
Your rules represent
the covenant between the member and the association; they define the relationship
and
set the stage for the achievement of your mission. Don’t ignore or underestimate
the importance of safeguarding their integrity.
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