Parliamentary blog - Page 18 of 27

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

By Ann Macfarlane / December 12, 2018 /

A golden scepter topped with a cross and intricate crown-like structure, featuring detailed engravings and ornate decorations along its length, symbolizing royal sanction.

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 /

Black and white sketch of a chummy person wearing a bowler hat, a long coat, vest, and tie, with one arm extended outward.

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

Three individuals sit at a conference table taking notes during a meeting. A can of soda and a snack bag are on the table, while one person looks visibly uncomfortable after inappropriate remarks were made.

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

A group of people sits around a round table in a conference room, engaged in discussion. A man speaks, outlining expectations while facing the others, and a projector screen is visible in the background.

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.

We need to be brutally honest as Election Day approaches

By Ann Macfarlane / November 2, 2018 / Comments Off

A woman with long, light brown hair wearing a black turtleneck, a golden scarf, and a necklace with a red heart pendant is smiling honestly in front of a brick wall.

My friend Donna Cameron writes, “We need to be brutally honest with ourselves.

You must call for the negative vote

By Ann Macfarlane / October 23, 2018 / Comments Off

A hand with a dark sleeve is giving a negative vote gesture, thumbs-down, against a white background.

Updated November 18, 2022 One of the surprising rules about voting is that when taking the vote, the chair MUST call for the negative vote—even if the chair is perfectly certain that there were enough votes in favor to pass the motion. This ensures that everyone enjoys their full right to vote, even if they…