Chair

More care is essential in selecting the chair of a committee than in selecting its members. Generally the chair is the first person selected. The chair is chosen for the ability to lead the group. Then the rest of the committee is selected or recruited. The chair does not simply call and conduct meetings, but has primary responsibility to the group. The chair should have the ability to organize the individual members into a working group. The chair does not have to have the most knowledge about the topic to be considered by the group. It may be an advantage for the chair to have served on a committee previously, but not necessarily have served as a chair.

Members

• Which individuals have an interest in the kind of activity that the committee will engage? Interest and willingness to serve are primary considerations.

• Who in the club has the knowledge and skill, or access to information, needed by the committee? Persons with pertinent information should be given special consideration.

• Which persons could benefit most by working on the committee with members who have had more experience? The opportunity to provide the experience of learning by doing should not be overlooked. Every member is a potential leader.
  

• Are there individuals who might develop a greater sense of belonging or commitment to the club by working on a given committee?

• Is a representative committee needed? Often it's wise to have a cross section of the membership represented on the committee.

• Which members have the best access to the resources needed to do the job? Care should be taken not to overload key individuals.

• Are there some individuals who will work together more compatibly than others? People who have demonstrated their unwillingness or inability to work together normally would not be assigned to the same committee.

• Do committee chairs have any preference as to who they would like on their committee? It is often good practice to ask chairs for suggestions because the responsibility rests with them.

Committee Size

The purpose of the committee should be the primary consideration in determining how large the group should be. Keep in mind that the major reason for appointing a committee in the first place is the advantage of the greater efficiency and flexibility of a small group over a large one. Size will be determined by the optimum number of people needed to accomplish the purpose of the committee.

Committee Goals

Clearly defined goals increase productivity and personal satisfaction and reduce misunderstandings. To ensure that each member has a clear notion of what is to be done, put the assignment in writing.

Give special committees a date for completing the work. For standing committees, indicate dates for progress reports.

Job descriptions can be very useful in increasing the effectiveness of the committee.

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