Lastly, the presiding officer must recognize when everything that needs to be said has been said, even if not everyone has had an opportunity to say it, and help guide the Council to that same conclusion. Affirming that many good points have been heard and asking if there are any new points can help guide the debate to a close. The ultimate goal being that the Council feels that its collective voice is heard and that Councillors have a worthwhile experience in the process.

Larisa M. Traill, MD, FACEP

Current Professional Positions:Regional Medical Director, Emergency Department, McLaren Greater Lansing & Grand Ledge, McLaren Medical Group; Clinical Assistant Professor, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine

Internships and Residency: Emergency Medicine Residency, Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University (2008)

Medical Degree: MD, St. George’s University School of Medicine (2005)

Response: Effective communication and collaboration are essential for productive Council meetings. I would promote inclusivity and an enriched dialogue by not only leveraging the existing debate structure but also enhancing asynchronous testimony to allow for greater debate prior to Council. Doing so will allow our in-person time to remain focused and efficient.

My approach would:

• Optimize asynchronous testimony: I would increase flexibility by allowing members to submit video statements, both asynchronously and during reference committees. This would not only accommodate those who cannot attend in person because of unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather or personal commitments, but also those who are unable to attend multiple concurrent reference committees. I would further optimize asynchronous debate by creating discussion groups. These forums would provide a platform for in-depth exploration of “hot topics,” leading to more informed debates in the larger Council.
• Foster collaboration on resolutions: Collaboration is key to effective governance. To facilitate this, we should identify similar resolutions in advance, allowing authors the opportunity to consolidate similar proposals.
• Leverage consent agenda and a structured debate format: Continue to fully utilize a consent agenda for non-controversial items, allowing more time for contentious issues that require deeper discussion. Respect members’ time, by moving promptly to a vote when it becomes evident that further discussion will not change opinions. By summarizing and clarifying key points during discussions, we can gauge the room’s sentiment and adjust our approach as necessary. I would also explore increasing the number of reference committees and consider live-streaming and recording meetings, to enhance transparency and accessibility, enabling all members to stay informed and engaged.
• Solicit feedback for continuous improvement: To ensure that our meetings are effective and inclusive, we must solicit feedback from members regularly. Understanding whether members feel their voices were heard and if we achieved a balance between debate and efficiency is vital for continuous improvement.

In conclusion, enhancing our Council meetings requires a strategic approach that prioritizes collaboration, inclusivity, and efficiency. By leveraging asynchronous testimony, continuing to utilize a consent agenda, and fostering open dialogue through structured debate formats, we can create a Council environment that values diverse viewpoints and encourages productive discussions. Regular feedback and optimization of meeting formats will ensure that we remain responsive to the needs of our members, ultimately leading to more effective governance.