authority

No after-the-fact comments in minutes

By Ann Macfarlane / August 31, 2018 /
Portrait of a man with long curly hair, wearing a dark brown coat with gold buttons and a white cravat, standing against a plain background—an image that leaves little room for after-the-fact comments.

As our faithful readers know, Robert’s Rules affirms that minutes contain what is DONE, not what is SAID. Personal remarks and commentary do not belong in meeting minutes. By extension there is no place for after-the-fact comments in the minutes, either. The minutes are the record of the meeting itself. If your council or board…

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Beware of negativity bias

By Ann Macfarlane / August 25, 2018 / Comments Off on Beware of negativity bias
A woman with long blonde hair sits in a black office chair, holding a pen and making a doubtful expression. She is wearing a black blazer and white shirt, her face subtly reflecting the negativity bias she's wrestling with.

Human beings have a sharp and useful instinct for the negative.

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Essential Guidelines for Small Casual Groups

By Ann Macfarlane / August 2, 2018 / Comments Off on Essential Guidelines for Small Casual Groups
A small casual group of people sits at a table during a meeting. Laptops, papers, and coffee cups are scattered about. Framed photos decorate the wall in the background.

Many small casual groups spend too much time in discussion. Seeking consensus, time can be wasted and little progress made.

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What are the 11 duties of the chair?

By Ann Macfarlane / July 23, 2018 / Comments Off on What are the 11 duties of the chair?
City council chamber with a wooden backdrop, an American flag, and six empty chairs at a curved desk. The city’s emblem is centered on the wall behind the desk, where the duties of chair are often discussed and delegated.

Under Robert’s Rules of Order, the chair of a meeting has 11 duties. These duties are listed in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition, the only official and current version of Robert’s Rules, in section 47:7. Download PDF THE MEETING may be that of a city council, a nonprofit board, a professional society,…

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Tie vote fails

By Ann Macfarlane / June 26, 2018 / Comments Off on Tie vote fails
A person in a suit marks a checkbox labeled "Fail" with a red check, next to another empty checkbox labeled "Pass," suggesting the outcome could hinge on a tie vote.

Updated July 22, 2021 What happens when a vote is tied? Here are a few angles to this question. A reader writes: I am the Vice-Chair of a small board—three people, Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary. We have dual roles. One voted yes. One voted no. One abstained. Does the motion pass or is the motion…

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You can’t shut down a meeting whenever you want

By Ann Macfarlane / June 11, 2018 /
gavel descending in stages

“Can City Council President Ben Stuckart really shut down a meeting whenever he wants?” runs the catchy headline. The answer, of course, is NO!

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When should you interrupt a speaker?

By Ann Macfarlane / April 26, 2018 / Comments Off on When should you interrupt a speaker?
A wooden gavel rests atop its matching sound block, symbolizing law and justice, swiftly silencing any inappropriate remarks in the courtroom.

We see so many instances of rude behavior in public life today that it is not easy to keep our bearings about civility. Polite people who have been well brought up sometimes feel stymied when public discourse disintegrates. 

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Unanimous consent will slash your meeting time

By Ann Macfarlane / April 17, 2018 / Comments Off on Unanimous consent will slash your meeting time
A chalkboard with the word "AGREEMENT" in the center, encircled and surrounded by multiple arrows pointing towards it, symbolizing unanimous consent.

Unanimous consent is one of the most useful tools in Robert’s Rules of order. Yet this method of voting is little known. Use it well, and your meetings will be much more efficient. Your members will also be grateful!

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CHEAT SHEET Language Tips for Meeting Management

By Ann Macfarlane / February 26, 2018 / Comments Off on CHEAT SHEET Language Tips for Meeting Management
A handheld silver and black microphone is mounted on a black microphone stand against a white background, ready to provide language tips.

Do you feel flummoxed by the language of Robert’s Rules? Is it a challenge for you to keep things running smoothly at your meetings? We have just what you need!

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Citizen’s Guide to Effective Public Meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / October 6, 2017 / Comments Off on Citizen’s Guide to Effective Public Meetings
Cover of the "Citizen's Guide to Effective Conduct of Public Meetings Using Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order in Washington State." Features a panel of nine individuals.

Your Citizen’s Guide to Effective Public Meetings is now available for interested citizens and residents. If you want to know the expectations for public meetings under parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order, explained clearly and elegantly, download this Citizen’s Guide today!

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