It is a task to deal with large groups of people. Frequently, everyone wants to discuss ongoing issues for planning the future. There are also issues of resolving problems and finding realistic solutions. Sometimes issues and problems are individual. Having rules establishes an appropriate decorum.
Whether establishing a Board of Members or talking about mutual plans with friends, it is important to establish bylaws or standing rules. A quorum establishes general laws of conduct. Groups of friends might not need a quorum though having general ideas about proper conduct. This could be anything from reserving eighty percent of ownership stock to the Owner of a Company to thinking it is tacky to be blunt with people who are not close friends.
These topics are discussed in "Robert's Rules of Conduct." Usually even formal political gatherings are less formal than Parliament in the United States. Attending a county meeting, Representatives announce an agenda, give everyone a pamphlet and summarize topics. People read the pamphlet and prepare statements. They already have an opinion and are given a few minutes to relay the information to the Representatives. Representatives note questions and comments. This becomes part of an agenda for later senatorial committee meetings.
Similar to writing to Congress, everyone is allowed to express concerns in writing. Everyone is given the opportunity to express ideas about government and laws. It becomes irritating when someone does not consider other people's ideas and becomes overly dogmatic about getting everything they want, instead of, agreeing to compromise. It is similar to yelling out obscenities when someone is talking. It is otherwise pointless, even though expressing they disagree with the idea. The argument does not persuade anyone into understanding a logical argument.
Friends establish verbal and nonverbal of handling problems as a group. It might be inappropriate to ask for assistance. The method is to talk about problems and friends decide what they want to do or how they will help. Sometimes there is an agenda. It is important to find work, plan a party or find a method to improve public image. In these instances, most would think it is inappropriate to enact parliamentary law, yet making decisions that affect everyone should have a vote. There might also be time to improve on ideas because it is important to respect everyone's opinion and time to speak.
Companies discuss long-term plans, vision and public image. With many people, there are many people to offer important information. A collection of personal experience clarifies problems and methods to address problems. Corporate gossip is a huge problem. Someone might find offering a truthful summary of events is helpful.
I remember an Auditor coming to our office. There was gossip about layoffs, before the Quality Control Adviser arrived to retrain several people. They let everyone know people who broke corporate regulation were first for layoffs. This was primarily people who were always late or did not call in when taking days off. Several people were annoyed with how frequently Employees got away with this and everyone felt better. While this is one option, there are several options, including, not being overly intense about problems or promoting rules for self control.
The benefits of respecting people is enormous. This is obvious when expressing concerns about issues or addressing problems. Communication saves time, effort and money. It might be important to know the post office closes after two o'clock on Saturday. Someone notices a computer system that dispenses postage in the main lobby. The main lobby is always open. Someone else already uses it and it does not take cash. It only take credit or debit. Together there is a comprehensive plan to ship a package and who will be able to ship a package.
Self control is important when interacting within a group. There might be people are overly concerned about tardiness or absentee. This does not give them permission to verbally or physically attack someone who constantly tardy or absent. It might be an ongoing problem, yet an individual always retains rights. There are consequences to an action. There is no reason to further the problem by creating more problems. It is frequently better to remain silent.
I remember being a New Employee. At home and around friends, it was friendly to make sarcastic or rude comments to validate unity. This activity at work is inappropriate. While people talk to each other to unity and making friends at work, another person interprets the activity as hostile or harassment. Not knowing each other well, a friendly and rude comment might make them quit because it was bad timing. Already having a bad day, a comment could create an embarrassing and dramatic scene. Especially if the information is very private, it might be difficult to work with each other.
Understanding a larger viewpoint, there is a time when other people's opinions are not important. It is an individual decision affecting them. There is no forum or quorum to discuss morals and ethics. Later on, it is my solution to gather my belongings and leave the cafeteria table when New Employees begin acting inappropriately. I become completely silent when a Coworker who unloads a get deal of personal information in the middle of eating lunch. There is nothing I can do about it. They are not embarrassed. It is not my position to decide for them how to live life and make friends. I will not unload personal information in front of Strangers.
Thinking about the future, if in the position to make plans affecting a large number of people, I will reference the book. It is concise, fair and beneficial to everyone. Already practicing basic rules, after writing an article and creating a platform for people to discuss issues, I am done and rarely without reason. I somewhat resent special interest groups who continually nag the same issue. They rarely offer new information. They only show how many people support an idea. Though seeming like a hassle and not understanding why they do not show more decorum, they have peaceful assembly and freedom of speach in whatever format they feel is most effective.
Related Article
Managing Time: Long-Term
Quirky Books
Robert's Rules by Doris Zimmerman
