Q: As a pastor of a young and growing ministry I must know I am doing things right. During any business meeting while entertaining a Motion & Second where should discussion be enteretained? We have thus far had a Motion & A Second then Discussion... Is this correct?
A motion is properly introduced with three steps:
1. A member Moves it
2. Another Seconds it
3. The chair States the motion (e.g., "It is moved and seconded to refer the pending question to a committee of three")
Once it has been stated by the chair, the motion becomes the property of the assembly. It is now open for discussion. The purpose of this is to prevent idle and unfocused discussion from taking place. It also forces the members to think about what they want to do ahead of time and come to the meeting with a well thought out plan or proposal.
Showing posts with label Debate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Debate. Show all posts
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Idle Chatter
Q. We have a problem with members talking to each other during our meeting. Do you have a diplomatic way to address this problem?
I would announce the following at the beginning of the next meeting: "The chair will be formally following Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised for this meeting. Only one person may speak at a time and no one may speak until they first obtain recognition from the chair."
This is the most basic of all rules. It goes back to what we learned in kindergarten when the teacher insisted that we be recognized before speaking. The problem is that your members are the ones who are being rude, so in my opinion, there is no need to worry about being diplomatic. Be firm and be fair, and when they fall back into their bad habits, remind firmly again. It is the job of every presiding officer to do this.
A meeting cannot disintegrate into casual conversations and still be a meeting. When they start talking to each other simply state: "Ms. Smith is the only person recognized to speak at this time." Or you may remind them: "Please direct all remarks through the chair."
Remember that you are doing this to help your organization. Sometimes a little tough love goes a long way. Good luck!
I would announce the following at the beginning of the next meeting: "The chair will be formally following Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised for this meeting. Only one person may speak at a time and no one may speak until they first obtain recognition from the chair."
This is the most basic of all rules. It goes back to what we learned in kindergarten when the teacher insisted that we be recognized before speaking. The problem is that your members are the ones who are being rude, so in my opinion, there is no need to worry about being diplomatic. Be firm and be fair, and when they fall back into their bad habits, remind firmly again. It is the job of every presiding officer to do this.
A meeting cannot disintegrate into casual conversations and still be a meeting. When they start talking to each other simply state: "Ms. Smith is the only person recognized to speak at this time." Or you may remind them: "Please direct all remarks through the chair."
Remember that you are doing this to help your organization. Sometimes a little tough love goes a long way. Good luck!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)