Santa & His Elves: A Perfect Example of Committee Collaboration!
Last week I had a very bittersweet moment as I stepped down from a Committee that I've been on for the last year. It got me thinking though of all the Committees that I've been on and how much you learn from each other.
As it’s nearly the time of the year when the Big Man himself appears I was also thinking about the similarities between Santa and his workshop of elves and how Santa's Workshop is Like a Dream Team Committee!
Imagine Santa's workshop as a bustling committee meeting, where every elf plays a vital role in creating the magic of Christmas.
Just like a well-functioning committee, each elf brings unique skills and talents to the table, ensuring that no detail is overlooked in the gift-making process.In this whimsical analogy:
Santa as the Chairperson: He sets the vision and keeps everyone focused on the ultimate goal—delivering joy to children around the world. His leadership style fosters open communication and encourages feedback from all elves, much like an effective chairperson who values input from every committee member.
Elves as Committee Members: Each elf has a specific role—some are toy builders, others are gift wrappers or reindeer trainers. This mirrors how committee members often have designated responsibilities based on their expertise, working together to achieve a common objective.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Just as committees thrive on collaboration, Santa’s elves exemplify teamwork. They communicate seamlessly through their candy cane phones and gingerbread messaging boards, ensuring that everyone is aligned and aware of their tasks. This level of coordination is essential for any committee aiming for success.
Continuous Improvement: In Santa's workshop, elves engage in professional development, learning new skills to enhance their contributions. Similarly, effective committees prioritize ongoing training and skill-sharing to adapt and improve their processes.
Celebrating Success: After a successful toy production season, Santa and his elves celebrate their achievements together, reinforcing camaraderie and boosting morale—just like a committee that recognizes its members' hard work and accomplishments.
In essence, Santa's workshop is a magical example of how effective committees operate: through clear communication, defined roles, teamwork, continuous improvement, and celebration of successes.
As the one who wants to organise everything in a Committee (and I’ve had to rein myself in on plenty of occasions!) in my experience these 5 points are super important to establish from the start
Establish efficient committee structures
Develop clear roles and responsibilities
Create effective agendas and meeting schedules
Implement paperless committee systems
Define from the start how much time everyone has really available (and this may vary wildly)
In my lifetime I've been a volunteer on at least 6 Committees. I know how important it is from a transparency, organisational and sanity point of view of minimising disputes to have a good base structure and communication systems set up from the start. If your committee is struggling reach out to me for a consultation session!
My leadership Roles include-
Secretary for Cancer Research local Fundraising Team
Organising a work team for the Relay for Life Team in Luxembourg.
President of Lagan Valley Toastmasters
Vice President of the Armagh/Banbridge Business Network
Secretary of Donaghcloney Community Garden
Committee member of Belfast Personal Assistant Network
Board Member of Down Business Centre
If you’re on a Committee or are just starting up a voluntary or paid organisation and need some advice on the structure particularly from an operational point of view reach otu to me and book in a call
So next time you think of committees, channel your inner elf and remember that collaboration is the true secret behind achieving great things!
