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Meetings Complaints Committees

Management always encourages the employees to volunteer for some committees, so I followed their advice and got onto a committee that has been a nightmare. We are meeting too frequently, often into the evening, and the discussions are a waste. I'm thinking about quitting the committee, but I fear how that will look. Any suggestions?



Of all the committees in a company, one of the least desirable is the nightmare committee. Fortunately, you have a number of options.

For example, you can discuss your concerns with the chairperson. You can do this on your own or in concert with some of the other members. After all, if the committee is truly in nightmare mode, you are probably not the only member who is upset. However, rather than merely complaining, use your discussion with the chairperson to present your ideas regarding the ways that the committee can function more effectively. Depending on how the discussion goes, you may want to ask to have some time at the next meeting to discuss operations with the entire group.

Obviously, one key factor is the projected lifespan of this committee. If the committee is here for the long haul, and there is no way to improve its operations, you do have the option of quitting. However, if you do so, you should try to move from this committee to another more effective one. In that way, rather than quitting, you are merely transferring. Either way, one important lesson is for you to approach all future volunteer activities with your eyes wide open.



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