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nDo I hear a second? — I second the motion.
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nAll those in favor? — Aye
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nThose opposed? — [crickets]
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nIf this sort of polite protocol sounds familiar, you’ve probably attended a meeting in which Robert’s Rules of Order have been used.
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nAnd I’m here to answer all of your questions about RRofO!
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nWho’s Robert?
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nThere have been some major revisions and ten editions of Robert’s Rules of Order since then.
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nWhy these rules?
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nRobert was trying to provide a clear manual to procedures for how to run meetings in a fair and polite way.
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nIsn’t all of that stuff overly formal? And out of date?
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nFor sure, not every organization uses Robert’s Rules of Order. I picture meetings at, say, Google or Apple looking more like this:
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nStill, even informal meetings probably have procedures (maybe really informal, relaxed procedures) of setting an agenda, taking minutes, moving from item to item of discussion topics, and voting or decision making.
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nYou used the word protocol. What does that mean?
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nProtocol is the official procedure for matters of state or diplomacy. In the Star Wars universe, C-3P0 is a protocol droid – he knew how every Duchess and Lord and whoozit in the universe liked to be addressed.
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nProtocol can also be the established code of behavior in any group or organization.
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nIt can refer to spy procedures – how to deal with a double spy, how to cover up a botched operation, and so forth.
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nProtocol can mean the rules about the exchange of data in computing.
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nIt can refer to an official record of scientific observations or an official procedure for carrying out a scientific experiment.
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nWhat all of these meanings have in common is procedure, an established way of doing things.n
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nAlso on this date:
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nAnniversary of the modern legend of the Loch Ness Monster
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Check out my Pinterest boards for:
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nMay holidays
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nJune holidays
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nHistorical anniversaries in June
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