Volunteers for ARRT are ambitious, conscientious, and passionate about the cause. When committees meet, there will-and should-be times when committee members politely disagree. We want to emphasize that it is always okay to express your opinion and experience in a mindful and respectful manner during our meetings. ARRT's accreditors require that our committee members represent diverse populations from all parts of the country. There may be times when committee members perform a procedure differently, and a discussion will arise. Remember, everyone on the committee has an equal voice. Actively listening, not interrupting, and engaging in the conversation demonstrates the professionalism required to have a productive meeting. If you do not share your experience, the committee may miss valuable information. You may agree to disagree, or you may discover a preferred method to your own.
It is also important to have self-awareness during a committee meeting. If you are the kind of person who regularly speaks up, be mindful of others who may misinterpret your intent. Maintaining a comfortable speaking pace and tone will add to the camaraderie in a meeting. Be sure to make space for the quieter people to engage in the conversation. It is also ok to have periods of silence during meetings. On the other hand, if your tendency is to be quiet, reserved, and contemplative, we need you to reach outside your comfort zone to share your valuable experience and opinions. The meeting is a safe place to voice your opinion and expertise. When we all have an inclusive mindset, our meetings are much more fun and productive.
