[Businessmtg] Flaming and Business Meetings

[Laura M]

Just as a clarification...I have not accused anyone specifically of
flaming. Nor it was not my intention to accuse Jerry of flaming. I
personally did not believe his note about my bias was flaming. I thought it
was well justified, because I am very aware of my bias, and my inability to
produce a neutral summary. I have a horse in this race, and I, like the
horse, have blinders on that I cannot seem to shake.

My comment about flaming was to make sure that we raise up the tone of this
discussion and remove personal attacks...as a reminder to everyone.

Laura M


On Fri, Sep 23, 2016 at 7:28 AM, Gerald Hunter <logmark at comcast.net> wrote:

> Laura,
>
> Thanks for your note. To be honest, though, I find myself still recoiling
> from your summary. Perhaps this highlights a weakness in my program, but
> the strength of my program says now is not the time to pen an independent
> summary. I've read Steve's thoughtful point-by-point submission and will
> happily sign my name to that.
>
> A point about your choice of the phrase "without flames". Flaming is about
> the worst conduct within email communications and certainly within ASP's
> short list of serious no-no's. Being accused of it needs defending.
>
> There is a huge difference between hostile crosstalk in our topic meeting
> and a strongly worded response within our Business or Steering Committees.
> Frank talk is necessary, indeed is encouraged, there and should not be
> taken as incendiary attacks on personality. In these environs Principle is
> the focus, not Personality.
>
> My response addressed the Chair's inappropriate bias in the construction
> of what was supposed to be a neutral listing of talking points to enhance
> any further discussions. It had nothing to do with the personality of the
> Chair. I suspect that you are a lovely and caring person. Like most in
> Al-Anon service you are no doubt good-hearted, well-intentioned, and
> entirely honest.
>
> But in this instance you are the Chairperson, and as such are due full and
> open expression of positions. There is not a business meeting at any level
> I've ever attended where this Chair's bias, packaged as a fair summary,
> would pass without comment, strong, emotional, or otherwise. In any case
> "flaming" is an unfair characterization of my input on this point.
>
> Laura, your personality shines through in your suggestion that I might
> present an independent summary. Be assured that you have my personal
> support in all situations, and in your role as Chair you can rely on my
> unfettered and open honesty.
>
> The same goes for the rest of you jokers... ; -)
>
> In service,
> Jerry
> -
>
>