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There was a recent conversation around committees & the work, or lack thereof, they do. Here is a thread on my experience on serving on committees in academia for institutional service. I have been fortunate to serve on committees that I hope have helped make a difference (1/n)
First, if you have been called upon to serve, take this as an indication that there are people at your institution / profession who believe in your ability to make a positive contribution. Nobody wants to put people on committees who won’t get anything done. (2/n)
If the mandate of the committee is not something you believe in, or do not have enough time to contribute, it is better to say no at the outset than be involved half-heartedly. Committee meetings, depending on the mandate, might require a substantial time commitment. (3/n)
Once you decide to serve, contribute in your best possible capacity. In the past, I have gotten advice to the effect of “Do at bad job at this one, they’ll never put you on a committee again.” That is BS. If you decided to get involved, contribute. Otherwise, stay out (4/n)
Once on the committee, give up trying to being in control. Committees end up having a life and trajectories of their own. It’s better to go with the flow than trying to make it go the direction want it to go. (5/n)
Pick your battles carefully. Depending on the mandate, many things would be discussed in committee meetings. There will be things you disagree with, some much strongly than others. It’s better to dig in for the latter, than trying to make everything go your way (6/n).
Finally, try and be the builder of consensus, rather than someone who tries to get things to go their way on every issue. This is tough, and will require your opinions to take a backseat sometimes. But it will make sure that there is convergence and a better net result. (n/n)
