Early detection of scoliosis.

consensus decision is going to be reached the best course is to thank members for a useful discussion and say that you will put the matter on the agenda for the next meeting for reconsideration. You may think it helpful to ask any member who has been particularly vocal to prepare a paper on the subject for that meeting. Alternatively, if it is an important matter, you can set up a subcommittee or working party or, if it is of little consequence, you can offer to reconsider it should the need arise. The draft minutes should be sent to members within three or four days with a courteous letter thanking them again for attending and asking them to let the secretary have any amendments they wish made. Sometimes a member of your committee may never attend. Possibly he has another standing commitmeni at the same time which is more important to him, or he may just be too busy. If he never sends an apology, however, it means that he has no real interest in the work of the committee. In either case you should write to the body he represents, pointing out the difficulty, and asking if they wish to make another nomination. Finally, as chairman, don't expect any plaudits or gratitude but be prepared to dodge brickbats, for even if all your committee's decisions are the right ones they will displease a few.