Oh my God

8.02pm. Just had our first session, where we had a quick read through the project objectives, and appointed some roles. Our Chair, a middle-aged chap from Newcastle called Derek, is largely self appointed, is a complete dictator, and actually said, 'can you please direct your remarks to the chair.' With a straight face! He did not appreciate the whole of the rest of the group laughing in his face though. I can't wait to play that recording back!

When he was out of the room, I said, 'the role is chair, not Jesus.'

Even mild-mannered Peter, who has been made project manager, suggested 'can I propose a motion that Derek is a wanker?'

Jesus is in da house, and in da chair.

Derek is the sort of person who clearly would like nothing better than to lecture everyone on the importance of observing the committee structure. He is pushing everybody's buttons, but there may be little time and no polite way to bring him down the necessary number of pegs. Fortunately we only have to tolerate him as Chair for tonight, it will be different tomorrow. Part of me also is keen to keep the peace, as (a) we have to work together, and (b) we only have to work together for a week, so it's not really worth making too much fuss.


The other part of me, of course, would like to beat him to death with his own 12" ruler!

We are sitting at dinner, waiting to be called up to collect our food. I am wisely avoiding Derek's company until we go back. I expect some big fireworks later on as people start to feel tired. I cannot imagine that many people will want to tolerate his petty attention to unnecessary detail, but at least Kirsten and I can laugh about him later.