Student Leader Guides | Resources for Leaders | Campus Policies
Effective Committees
(Click Here for Printable Version) ORGANIZING A COMMITTEE When forming a new committee it is important to carefully consider both its structure and membership. As the organization’s leader, be sure to be clear about the committee’s purpose, limitations, and jurisdiction. A committee defining their purpose using their own words allows members to have ownership over what they are doing. Next, they should determine how much time and commitment each can give and select a meeting time and stick to it. For a committee to function successfully, it is important that members feel that they can openly and honestly express themselves. This is often one of the most important characteristics of successful committees. Sometimes, the committee chair will need to facilitate this process. Most committees are formed to resolve a problem or plan a program or event. They often do a lot of the “work” of the organization, freeing up the leadership to concentrate on administrative details. Committees can provide a wonderful “training ground” for emerging leaders in the group.
THE COMMITTEE SHOULD: • recognize and define the task at hand • consider all possible ways to work • gather all information, being sure to gather from additional people • work to meet group goals.
THE COMMITTEE SHOULD HAVE GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES. • How will meetings run? How will decisions be made? • Will members work as a group or as individuals? • When differences arise, how will they be handled? • Who will delegate assignments? • How will things change if they aren’t working?
AN EFFECITIVE COMMITTEE WILL: • understand its purpose and effectively work toward its goals • have open communication among members • listen to all points of view and make decisions that work for all • not be dominated by one leader or member • strike a balance between group productivity and personal needs • establish a process to evaluate and make changes • provide an opportunity for members to work collaboratively
WAYS TO RECOGNIZE COMMITTEE MEMBERS: • food • implement their ideas • thank you notes • praise! praise! praise! • silly little funny notes • tell them they are doing great • committee social events • ask for input • keep challenging them Information adapted from Occidental College-Office of Student Life |