Dear Dr. Ruth,

I’ve just completed my PhD, and now my department head has tasked me with facilitating a committee. This committee has a tight deadline to generate recommendations that will form the basis for policy changes at our institution. I’m finding it challenging to coordinate everyone and produce a cohesive report with everyone’s consensus. It’s overwhelming, especially with my ADHD. How can I manage this effectively?

Sincerely,

Overwhelmed Professor with ADHD

Dear Overwhelmed Professor with ADHD,

Congratulations on your new role! Here are some strategies to help you navigate this responsibility with ease:

These tips work in any workplace.

1. Let Go of Perfection:

Aiming for 100% attendance is unrealistic. Understand that serving on a committee is likely not a priority for many members. Acceptance of this will alleviate unnecessary stress.

2. Facilitate, Don’t Own:

Remember, your role is to facilitate, not to shoulder the entire burden. Focus on making the process as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

3. Establish a Timeline:

Select 2 or 3 possible meeting times during the workday. Avoid evenings and weekends. Ensure these meetings are accessible online and send regular reminders.

4. Build Alliances:

Identify and connect with a friendly, supportive colleague before the first meeting. Show appreciation—maybe bring donuts—and clearly articulate the kind of support you need.

5. Create a Working Document:

Draft a document with key components and leave space for input from committee members. This will serve as the foundation for the final report.

6. Use Surveys:

Distribute a survey to gather committee members’ opinions. Allow ample time for responses and follow up with reminders to ensure comprehensive feedback.

7. Plan Each Meeting:

Define the purpose of each meeting. Know what outcomes you aim to achieve and communicate these goals clearly.

8. Delegate Wisely:

Delegate specific sections of the working document to key members. This not only distributes the workload but also fosters a sense of ownership among the committee.

9. Maintain Communication:

Keep the lines of communication open between meetings. Use humor, gratitude, and personal touches to build a sense of community. Regularly check in with key members.

Implementing these strategies will help you create a structured, efficient process and set clear expectations for your committee.

If you need further assistance, I’m here to guide you from where you are to where you want to be.

Warm regards,

Dr. Ruth