Re: Meeting (Teleconference) Facilitation

[Peter Neilson <neilson -at- windstream -dot- net>]

What you describe is not unlike running a volunteer organization. There
are a few who do a lot of the planning and actual work, and a great
number who criticize and nitpick.

I've seen two approaches that seem to work. The first is to enlist help.
 From whom? From the criticizers, of course...

   "Why can't we have xxx? Whine, whine, whine"
      "That sounds like an excellent idea. Why don't you take the lead
       on that because you seem to have good ideas. I'm sure you are the
       best-qualified person to work it out. Get back to us with your
       plans. We'll help you any way we can."

The second is to thank people for their participation, their
thoughtfulness, their contributions, and their tireless work on the
committees to which you appointed them when they were in serious
nitpicking mode. Say the names, say what they did, say how happy you
are, and how proud everyone should be of these fine contributors.
Keep it short and sincere.

If someone objects to how you run things and wants to take over the
whole conference, put that person in charge of the transition committee. 
Be willing to give up the chair (you'll become chairman emeritus), but
ready to accept it back again when your replacement cannot handle the
unwanted excitement.
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