1. Write a draft of the proposal, as your boss requested.

2. Write a memo to your boss explaining potential disadvantages of the committee approach.

3. Draft a set of ground rules for committee meetings. Try to suggest rules that will minimize political differences and focus on the overall benefit to the company.

Your boss, the IT manager, was ready to explode. “Why can’t we get our priorities straight?” he fumed. “Here we go again, working on a low-value project, just because it’s a favorite of the marketing group. I wish we could get away from departmental politics! I want you to draft a memo that proposes a systems review committee for this company. Explain the advantages, but don’t step on anyone’s toes!”