I've just created this term (which I'm surprised doesn't already exist but no, according to Google Search). An uncommittee is a group of people with a shared goal, interest, or cause, who meet up to collaborate, as needed, in an informal but effective way.
A collective that deliberately avoids the hierarchical and bureaucratic aspects of traditional committees, such as rigid roles, red tape, and top-down decision-making.
I've based it on the idea of the “unconference”, that's widespread in the self-publishing sector. An unconference is a gathering driven by its participants. Unlike traditional conferences, unconferences eschew hierarchical structures, such as sponsored presentations and top-down organization, fostering a more egalitarian and spontaneous exchange of ideas.
The concept of the unconference has found a strong foothold in the indie author community, both in the USA and Europe. Organized around similar values of organic collaboration and creativity, an uncommittee is participant-driven, and thrives on spontaneity and serendipity.
How Does an Uncommittee Work?
By definition, each uncommittee invents itself but here are some general principles:
- All participants are self-starters who have an equal say in decisions, by majority rule. Every member has an equal voice and can contribute ideas and initiatives freely. An uncommittee takes the time to ensure that decisions are made collectively, through consensus, with an emphasis on inclusivity and mutual agreement.
- Roles and responsibilities within an uncommittee emerge organically based on members’ strengths and interests. Each person drives the group's activities by choosing to do the work that most excites and delights them, and that they are uniquely placed to do.
- An uncommittee is also highly adaptable and open to change. Members of the uncommittee support each other, adjust quickly to new ideas, challenges, and opportunities, with an emphasis on output. This flexibility allows the group to remain dynamic and responsive, rather than getting bogged down in argument and debate. The focus is always on adapting as needed to achieve the best outcomes.
- Bureaucratic procedures and red tape are minimized as much as possible.
- Communication in an uncommittee is open and transparent, usually recorded in video or audio, with a transcript, for easy open access for all, often supplemented by a discussion group. Regular, informal sessions, as agreed, keep all members informed and engaged, facilitating collaboration.