6 Key Personalities in Meetings

Mar 26, 2011

23895 Whose Leprechaun Legs Are These? First Presbyterian Church March 13, 2011


photo credit: bsabarnowl

I’ve been a member of committees in the past and witnessed these as well as being aware of how I also play a part in in the characteristics mentioned below.

This is a somewhat frivolous post today. I’ve written something similar to this before and have been seeking for it but cannot find it. Re-writing this today has allowed me to take a perhaps lightly differing view upon the characters. What is described below is obviously an exaggeration, but I think likely serves as an insight.

Committee members.

The Serial Member

This member loves joining committees. Often late to arrive at meetings or leaving apologies due to other commitments (on other committees) This person loves to be the chair. A stickler for protocol, insisting on being address “Madam” or “Mister” and using such wording as “point of order”.

The Miser

This person is usually The Treasurer. Fiendishly protecting any funds, this person will will be more protective of the budget than their own personal finances. Any proposals for spending money will be met with a sharp intake of breath through their teeth.

The Scapegoat

This person will be given responsibilities beyond their ability and blamed for anything that goes wrong. Every tiny detail of what they have done or not done is scrutinised and criticized. Often a “yes” person in an attempt to please, this person rarely, if ever completes the jobs they are asked to do. Those items are regularly passed over for the next meeting.

The Ghost

This person has no idea why they are on the committee and has likely reluctantly been co-opted onto it to make up the numbers and keep quiet. Rarely given any sort of responsibility, this person is generally expected to agree with the view of the most dominant person on the committee.

The Martyr

This member of the committee loves to be in charge, craves praise, recognition and appreciation and attempts to do everything. This person gives their all and some. The martyr often becomes disillusioned when they perceive others in the organisation are not pulling their weight. This results in moans, grumbles and ultimately cynicism. They will reluctantly release any responsibilities to other members and sometimes will actively seek to sabotage the attempt by others to take on the responsibilities they once had.

The Resigner

This person will make a big fuss about anything they do no agree with and will threaten to resign at the slightest whim. Much like The Martyr, this member seeks to dominate the group and sulks if they do not get their own way.

Have you ever served on a committee?

Have you witnessed these characters on committees?

Have you ever played the part of one of these as I have?

I’d love to see your responses.

Related Articles:

Marty

Do you like what I have written here? You can get my free ebook with 15 affirming articles simply by entering your email address below and clicking “send”. Your email address will NOT be shared with 3rd parties. Thank you for reading







 

Email:
 

ListWire - Free Autoresponders
click here for your free autoresponder

 

 

Do your eyes get really tired from reading as mine do?

 

Do you have trouble proof reading your own articles and get frustrated when you have missed a grammatical error in your content?

I’ve found a great way to overcome this. It is simple and very time saving. I recommend using text reading software. I’ve tested a product called Natural Reader. The voice produced on it is very easy on the ear. It is also very inexpensive. It saves so much time and effort stops that temptation to skip content, especially when reading an instructional article. You can just close you eyes and listen if you wish. Here is the link.
Natural Reader.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Share with others

  • http://promotethanet.blogspot.com/ Don

    LOL Marty I have seen and know each of these characters. I have always said a commitee is the fastest way to get anything done slowly.

    • Marty BoneIdol

      Sometimes I get flashbacks to that scene in Monty Pythons “Life of Brian” where they spend so much time debating what needs to be done immediately to save Brian. It’s hilarious!

  • Ryan Biddulph

    No I haven’t Marty. I would just be the observer. Sit back and soak it all in ;)

    Thanks for sharing!

    RB

    • Marty BoneIdol

      That’s the best approach really Ryan. People get so wrapped up in the details they forget the mission!

  • Matt (Thanet Star)

    Sounds like a bad meeting.

    • Marty BoneIdol

      It can be Matt if folk are not aware enough. There is time to lighten up a little.