The Committee Problem
Every business has them: committees formed to tackle big challenges or make key decisions. In theory, committees should bring diverse perspectives, align stakeholders, and speed up progress.
In practice? Committees often do the opposite. Instead of moving quickly, they bog down in endless meetings, watered-down decisions, and compromise that leaves no one satisfied.
This dysfunction—what we call “committee-itis”—is one of the most common obstacles businesses face. It’s also one of the most costly.
Why Committees Stall Progress
- Too Many Voices, No Clear Direction
The more people at the table, the harder it is to reach consensus.
- Fear of Conflict
Instead of debating ideas openly, committees settle for the safest compromise.
- Dilution of Innovation
Big ideas get watered down to avoid risk or discomfort. The result? Mediocre outcomes.
- Endless Meetings
Time is wasted circling the same issues without clear action.
- Accountability Diffusion
When everyone owns the decision, no one truly owns the outcome.
A Harvard Business Review study found that 71% of senior managers believe meetings are unproductive and inefficient. Committees are the worst offenders.
The Cost of “Committee-itis”
- Missed Opportunities: Bold ideas die in compromise.
- Slower Time to Market: Projects drag on while competitors move faster.
- Employee Frustration: Talented people disengage when their ideas are stalled.
- Cultural Stagnation: Committees reward politics, not progress.
Ultimately, “committee-itis” keeps businesses stuck in mediocrity.
Case in Point: The Branding Committee
A mid-sized company formed a branding committee to approve new creative. Every stakeholder wanted their voice heard. Months passed, logos were tweaked endlessly, and bold options were discarded. By the end, the company launched a bland identity that excited no one.
Competitors, meanwhile, launched sharper campaigns and captured market share.
Case in Point: The Healthcare System
A healthcare system convened a committee to redesign patient intake. After months of debate, they settled on the “safest” compromise—minor tweaks to existing forms. Patients remained frustrated, staff burned out, and the opportunity for real innovation was lost.
Why ReVision Solves “Committee-itis”
CarneyCo’s ReVision process was designed to cut through the dysfunction of committees. Instead of endless debates, ReVision provides structure, objectivity, and prioritization.
- Focus on the Right Problems: Committees often debate solutions before defining problems. ReVision reframes challenges first.
- Prioritization Over Politics: The process forces clarity on what matters most, avoiding “decision by dilution.”
- Objective Facilitation: An outside voice neutralizes politics and ego.
- Action Over Endless Meetings: ReVision produces a clear plan, not an endless cycle of discussion.
Leaders leave with clarity, alignment, and an actionable path forward.
The Business Benefits of Escaping Committees
- Faster Decisions: Structured prioritization accelerates progress.
- Bolder Ideas: Reframing encourages creativity, not compromise.
- Stronger Alignment: Teams rally around shared priorities instead of competing agendas.
- Clear Accountability: Ownership is defined, outcomes are tracked.
Actionable Takeaways
- Recognize when a committee is slowing progress.
- Stop trying to please everyone—focus on solving the right problem.
- Use objective facilitation to escape politics.
- Replace compromise with clarity, prioritization, and accountability.
FAQs
Are all committees bad?
Not necessarily. Committees work when they’re small, focused, and empowered. Dysfunction happens when size and politics grow.
What if our culture requires “all voices at the table”?
You can still listen to everyone—but decision-making must be structured and prioritized.
How quickly can ReVision cut through committee dysfunction?
In one structured session, leaders often achieve clarity that committees couldn’t reach in months.
Conclusion
Committees are supposed to create progress. Too often, they create compromise, delay, and mediocrity. “Committee-itis” is one of the most common—and most dangerous—diseases inside organizations.
But it’s not incurable. With the right process, businesses can escape dysfunction, uncover the right problems, and move boldly toward distinction.
