Like every office, we have a few sayings we use a lot. One is “death by committee.” I’m sure other agencies and organizations have a similar phrase for what I am about to describe.

A disclaimer:
Committee members often are mostly volunteers who are donating their time, efforts, expertise, and sometimes hard-earned money to an organization and/or cause they believe in. I’m on a couple of committees, and I know how hard that work is firsthand. Seeing the care and effort of other committee members inspires me to do better. We work with many advocacy and nonprofit organizations. And with that, there’s usually a committee that’s considered the stakeholder and decision-maker for a project. And committees usually have at least seven people.

But sometimes, committees get a little sidetracked by minuscule details that don’t make a difference in the scheme of things.

Have you ever traveled with seven or more people? In theory, it’s great. The more the merrier, right? But unless you plan it well and have a solid itinerary, you’re bound to decide against going anywhere with them again.

This goes for committees. Some committees are efficient and quick decision-makers, while others seem to go in circles. Planning and success go hand in hand. Always.

Here are a few tips for traveling in large groups, whether it’s taking a mini vacation with friends or meeting goals with your committee.

1. Set clear goals and expectations
Are you heading to Chicago with a group of friends? There are a million places to go in the Windy City, and 48 hours is definitely not enough. Outline your musts, agree on them as a group, and adhere to that list. Sounds stiff, right? It saves a lot of petty arguments, though.

The same goes for committees. We all want all the things. However, does it meet the goals? Does it provide ROI? Does it work toward your mission and vision, and does it speak to your target audience? Don’t fuss with it.

2. Focus
On the goal. On the purpose. On the bigger picture. Don’t get distracted by the small things.

3. Trust the plan
Outline the plan, the goal, the purpose, and then tear them apart until they’re solid. Then stop. Stop touching it.

4. Assign a spokesperson
The more voices you have, the muddier the conversation. Designate a tour guide when planning. Do the same on a committee, making sure that person understands project expectations and goals.

5. Remember, everything is subjective
The color blue isn’t your favorite? Does it do the job for the goals and audience? Leave it be. The experts chose it for a reason. It might not be their favorite either.

6. Always go back to your measuring stick
Does it fit the budget? Does it satisfy the goals? Does it satisfy the majority? Is it the right answer, even if it isn’t YOUR right answer?

In the end, organization, communication, and trust make partnerships thrive, they make projects successful, and they make sure goals are met.

Identify that expert, provide them with your needs, and trust that they’ll take you there.