Mini-Machiavellian management

Making and breaking of committees

According to an old adage, the camel is a horse designed by a committee. It may be difficult to express better the feelings of many people who have had to deal with committees.

Before you consider working with committees recall that, in general, they serve one of four functions: (1) to come up with something useful; (2) never to produce anything of consequence; (3) to fulfill a requirement without making waves; (4) to hide foregone conclusions behind a collection of yes-men.

The first type of committee is often set up, and may even deliver something meaningful. It requires qualified and cooperative members, and it functions best when chaired by an enlightened dictator.

The second type is useful when a problem requires benign neglect. The more members it has, the less likely it is to come up with something serious. Committees of the third type often exist in the form of editorial boards for the conference, or they advise on tantalizing matters such as ceremonies and protocol.

The last type of committee may better be termed ‘pseudocommittees.’ Usually, they are ad hoc collections of friends, or people who depend on the grace of the chair.

Someone experienced in dealing with committees will probably subscribe to the following rules:

1. Never set up a committee unless and before it is necessary.

2. Select committee members very carefully choosing persons who genuinely will participate and are qualified to do so.

3. If a committee is meant to function, keep it as small as possible, but as large as necessary.

4. If a committee does not function, dissolve it.