the committee decides
They are almost always conservative. We can learn a great deal by watching what they approve of and when they stall, whether it’s the governing body, the strategy panel at a large company, or the membership committee at a local country club.
Each of us knows a great deal about what we offer, how it will change and why. It’s easy for you to think, “If it were me, I would make this obvious and rational choice …”, and pitch accordingly.
They’re not you. The committee is responsible for making decisions. The committee rarely makes the decision that outsiders would call the “right” one. Instead, they make the choice which is right for them.
It is usually a mixture of:
Persistence. It is rare that a new idea will be accepted immediately. It could take years. It is easier to wait and see who will be around tomorrow rather than grab what’s available today.
Urgency. The smartest move is to plan ahead, but due to fear, the desire to avoid risk, and the competing priorities of the day, the urgent is what is usually put first.
Affiliation. Unspoken, but very powerful is the question “What will others say about us?” The impact of others, or their appearance has a great deal.
WIFM. It’s not a radio station but rather the fact that everyone starts by asking themselves what they can get out of it. Status, affiliation, avoiding fear, or a simple (or complex) desire could be the reason.
Compromise. After all, it’s a group. A small benefit accepted by the group might be viewed as preferable to a larger benefit that could cause division.
Status. The committee will have a role in determining the status of the group (who proposed this, who would benefit most from it) as well as the roles that the committee perceives in the organization. Many decisions are based on the idea of moving up (or staying ahead).
These forces are so powerful that a better idea will have little chance of success.
