10th Sep 2008
robert’s rules bring disorder
If you’ve ever sat in a meeting (say a national convention) where something has to be initiated, seconded, all the ayes and nays counted, then you’ve had an experience with Robert. He has no last name that I know of, and his sole purpose was to add time and complexity to the process of working together as a group. Anal retentives all over the world love him just because he gave them rules to follow and God help you if you don’t look through the minutes to vote if they need changes.
If you haven’t figured it out, I am on my way shortly to one of those meetings and I would like to slap Robert so hard his nose would spin around his head. But I’m pretty sure he’s dead, laughing from beyond the grave as we try to remember how to come to order and commit hierarchy — yes, like it’s a crime.
Dana
Have to disagree with you on this one. As a moderator for many Vermont town meetings, I can tell you that without Robert’s–chaos would reign. Now, there are meetings and there are meetings. If I am working with clients on a complex project with a small group, I would never imagine using Robert’s. But when you have a large group and it is likely to be contentious and with many amendments (US Congress comes to mind), the procedures first laid down by Henry Martyn Robert are invaluable.
All in favor say aye….the ayes appear to have it…..the ayes do have it.
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