Selection and Maintenance of the Aim: A Key to Effective Committee Meetings for Grassroots Sports Clubs

In the dynamic world of grassroots sports clubs, committee meetings are essential for steering the club towards its goals. However, these meetings can often become unfocused and unproductive. By applying the ADF Military principle of Selection and Maintenance of the Aim, clubs can ensure their meetings are purposeful and effective.

Understanding the Principle

Selection and Maintenance of the Aim is about clearly defining the primary objective and ensuring that all efforts are directed towards achieving it. In a military context, this principle ensures that all actions contribute to the overall mission. For grassroots sports clubs, this means having a clear, shared goal for each meeting and maintaining focus on that goal throughout.

Applying the Principle to Committee Meetings

1. Define the Objective: Before the meeting, clearly outline the main goal. Is it to plan an upcoming event, resolve a specific issue, or review the club’s financial status? Ensure that all committee members understand and agree on this objective.

2. Prepare an Agenda: Create a detailed agenda that aligns with the meeting’s aim. Distribute it to all members beforehand so they can come prepared. This helps in keeping the discussion on track and relevant.

3. Stay Focused: During the meeting, the facilitator who may not be the President, should regularly refer back to the main objective. If discussions start to veer off course, gently steer them back. This ensures that the meeting remains productive and time-efficient.

4. Summarise and Assign Actions: At the end of each point, make note of the decisions made. Assign specific actions to members with clear deadlines. This reinforces the aim and ensures follow-through.

5. Review and Reflect: After the meeting, review the outcomes against the initial objective. Reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for future meetings. This could be with the all meeting participants or a key group.

Benefits of Maintaining the Aim

• Clarity and Focus: Everyone knows what the meeting is about and what needs to be achieved.

• Efficiency: Time is used effectively, avoiding unnecessary discussions.

• Accountability: Clear objectives and assigned actions ensure that everyone knows their responsibilities.

• Motivation: A focused meeting can boost morale as members see tangible progress towards the club’s goals.

Conclusion

By adopting the principle of Selection and Maintenance of the Aim, grassroots sports clubs can transform their committee meetings into powerful tools for achieving their objectives. This approach not only enhances productivity but also fosters a sense of purpose and direction among members.

Part of ensuring the aim and focus is maintained is to ensure only the appropriate people are at the meeting. This also reflects the principle of Concentration of Force which is the subject of next week’s blog.

For more insights on how to implement military principles in your club’s operations, reach out to Mission Command at info@missioncomd.com.au. Let’s work together to make your meetings more effective and impactful!

Prepare To Move. Move now

As we navigate through the challenges of running a sports club, your involvement is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re a parent, a local business owner, or a sports enthusiast, there are numerous ways to contribute to keeping children active in sports. Sponsor, volunteer or spread the word by sharing this post, you can help get every child involved in a sports team.