Ann Macfarlane

Point of Order and Appeal are heart of democracy

By Ann Macfarlane / January 18, 2019 /

In our view, the motions Point of Order and Appeal are the heart of our democracy. They provide the mechanism to stop a dictatorial chair who is acting like a “boss.” They are essential  for every local government body, nonprofit board, and any group that functions on democratic principles. Learn how to use them to ensure…

Henry Martyn Robert III, R.I.P.

By Ann Macfarlane / January 10, 2019 /

Announcement from the National Association of Parliamentarians We are deeply saddened to share that Henry M. Robert III, grandson of General Henry M. Robert, author of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised and honorary President of the National Association of Parliamentarians, peacefully passed away the morning of Sunday, January 6. Mr. Robert’s presence and guidance…

Follow four fundamental guidelines for successful meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / January 3, 2019 / Comments Off on Follow four fundamental guidelines for successful meetings

Robert’s Rules of Order includes four fundamental guidelines that will create successful meetings. They are easy to say but take some effort to apply, since prevailing culture is often very different. Run your meetings according to these guidelines so your meetings—and your organization—will flourish. Download PDF I. The person running the meeting is the servant of…

The chair is not in charge of your meeting

By Ann Macfarlane / December 27, 2018 / Comments Off on The chair is not in charge of your meeting

It is a little-known fact that ultimately it is the board that is in charge of your meeting, not the chair. According to the principles of parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order, the chair runs the meeting while subject to the will of the body as a whole. This is very different from the…

Boardroom and church – how much difference?

By Ann Macfarlane / December 20, 2018 / Comments Off on Boardroom and church – how much difference?

David Rumsey, past president of the American Translators Association, offers thoughts for the holiday season in this guest post. 

They threw him out of Parliament. You can sanction too.

By Ann Macfarlane / December 12, 2018 /

High drama in the House of Commons as Member of Parliament expelled for the day.

Put away your cell phone on the dais

By Ann Macfarlane / December 7, 2018 /

Jurassic Parliament strongly recommends that local governments establish a policy requiring elected officials to put away their cell phones while on the dais.

Don’t get chummy

By Ann Macfarlane / November 28, 2018 /

City councilmembers and nonprofit board leaders should not get chummy—too familiar—with their constituents or regular members. Here’s why.

Make better decisions using Exploratory Round Robin

By Ann Macfarlane / November 23, 2018 / Comments Off on Make better decisions using Exploratory Round Robin

You can make better decisions about complicated proposals by using the Exploratory Round Robin.

Expectations are planned resentments

By Ann Macfarlane / November 16, 2018 / Comments Off on Expectations are planned resentments

Guest post by Craig Freshley. We have been big fans of Craig’s wisdom for years and are honored to share this guest post with our readers. Visit Craig’s website for more superb tips on meetings and leadership.