This is a list I find helpful. The chair should:
- Delegate responsibilities but also be clear about deliverables and deadlines;
- Use discretion about the degree to which content of deliverables flows from above in the structure, is discussed and decided by the entire committee or part thereof, or is left to the discretion of the individual;
- Make clear that, as an event approaches, the situation may develop dynamically, and decisions may have to be made by the chair that add to, remove from, or alter the content of delegated tasks;
- Request flexibility on this question from committee members but also show flexibility in handling responses;
- Always follow due process on major matters of policy or finance but, in the spirit of Tradition IX, may streamline or simplify process for the sake of efficiency or effectiveness in time-pressured or dynamic situations;
- Encourage all members of the committee to keep the focus on achieving an effective outcome and to recognise that the purpose of process is to serve the outcome, not the other way round;
- Listen to grievances or complaints by committee members, adjust procedures going forward, apologise where necessary, and keep the focus on what should be done differently in future not what was done wrong in the past;
- Agree everything in writing; if an agreement is made over the phone, it should be followed up with written communication;
- Always treat committee members with respect and kindness.