The fate of our times is characterized by rationalization and intellectualization and, above all, by the disenchantment of the world.

Meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings [repeat to fade].

Christmas time is here again and it seems that everybody (and their dog) wants to avoid any actual work and cram in as many meetings as possible. Like lemmings to a flame, they seem secure in the knowledge the holiday period will not satisfy their craving for inspiring [tedious], engaging [pointless], high-quality [ghastly] MEETINGS.

Being an innovative and resourceful chap, I have already reflected upon this quandary. Out of this contemplation, I have set up a number of structures to meet the gaps that are evident in the upcoming few weeks. Accordingly, I have tabled a number of agendas as follows:

• Ezra will chair the Quality and Safety Committee.
  
• Henry will chair the Children’s Working Group.
  
• Jen will chair the Linkages Subcommittee.
  
• I have accepted the nomination to chair the Grievance and Discipline Reference Group.

Of course, a number of priority actions are already on the agenda of all of these groups, primarily concerning the establishment of a number of working groups (under the watchful gaze of Ezra, Henry and Jen), to explore and exploit the possibilities for more steering committees, reference bodies, implementation units, review panels; not to mention the immediate formation of a strategic response body to organise the catering for all committees, working groups, subcommittees, reference groups, units and panels.

I figure that all of this will provide us with ample work to avoid do throughout the festive season. As you can imagine, we’re all quite excited at the prospect of more meetings, and I have already got the lads sharpening pencils in preparation. Jen is well into drafting multiple terms of reference for us to argue about and I expect to exit January with a big ol’ bunch of recommendations, priorities and actions that will sit on the shelf an gather dust for years to come!