i held my first meeting as president last week.
and i tell you from being a secretary for a year and then going to president you really do realize that during a meeting when you have business to get done and move on (clock is ticking) and someone is side talking about other stuff it was hard to handle. i found myself just stopping my talk and waited for her to finsih her side conversation. (i beleive she was shocked) but she is always one down the road who says "i don't remember that being discussed" (well DUH) anyways, it was different seeing it from a different angle in a board meeting , as i probably at one time was a side talker myself.. But i tell ya its annoying.
I think addressing things in the meeting as a whole is generally a bad deal all around. I think you need to keep things in general line with speak order and a version of organizational rules.
As to people believing they are more important than the mission. You obviously don't need the super six. Don't be afraid to put them in their place. Write it down in a letter that is endorsed by your board. Thank them for their past work. Explain that we need to keep new blood running through the organization. Inform them what you have observed or heard. Then ask them to comply or leave.
If they make a stink about things address it publicly at your meeting. Share your letter. And move on.
Maybe its time to sit an brainstorm - review your groups- Mission and Vision statement(s), goals etc.
This is what we do-- this is where we'd like to be/go... a subtle reminder of proper SOP.
If that doesnt work.. I like CC' idea.. I hate mumuring while others are talking.. then take then to task person by person... then in front of a group if need be. (soemtimes a good kick in the pants is warranted/ as is a pat on the back)
Sometimes we just need a reminder that its isnt about us -- it about them (the children)
When they show up to work.. put 'em to work as separate as possible... or reassign times.. volunteers are hard to get (and not to be turned away)
<font size=""1""><font color="#"black"">Liberalism is not an affilation its a curable disease. </font></font><br /><br><font color="#"gray"">~Wisdom of Shawnshuefus</font><br /><br><font color="#"blue""><font size=""1"">The punishment which the wise suffer, who refuse to take part in government, is...
Or you could interrupt the one with the floor for a moment and say to the whisperers: "Oh I see there is something you would like to say,(or I see you have a concern you would like to share) --could you please speak up - name(s) - and share it with us all so we may address the matter as a group?"
Broken record, keep doing it every time they whisper and they will soon stop.
John, I'm a very straight forward leader. If I'd seen this kind of behaviour among my team I would've spoken directly to them. I had individual members who behaved in this manner and a little one-on-one cured it. General comments at meetings or an open letter/email message to the EB makes the innocent parties worry they've inadvertently offended someone while the guilty parties remain clueless.
Side conversations in meetings drive me nuts. Whenever it happens I stop the speaker by saying, "Would you wait just a moment, Mrs. Jones. It seems you don't have the full attention of the room." It takes about 20 seconds for the chit-chatters to realize the rest of the room has gone quiet and is staring at them. If they don't realize it I say, "Excuse me ladies, Mrs. Jones has the floor. Let's give her our attention."
Some senior members, especially those who've been at it awhile and have given a lot tend to develop an entitlement attitude. Maybe they're feeling unappreciated and are trying to pat themselves on the back. Perhaps a bit of a pep talk or even some public kudos for your veteran members at the next meeting will cool things down a bit.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the true perfection of one's character."
That situation stinks. I think were I in your shoes I would ask the Pres to address this at the next meeting. Without naming names, just a general reminder that there is no room in the PTO for the type of negativity, gossip and backbiting that is going on. As groups change and move forward, things may not always be done the same way, but that is how progress comes about and it benefits everyone- especially the kids. Also it might help to throw in something about everyone was once new to PTO and a gentle reminder that everyone needs to act like adults and find a way to work together. At least this will let the offenders know that they are not getting away with anything.
