Life of an Internal Committee Member

Being an Internal Committee member is like joining a new industry vertical. A new function- it is a niche world where we, the selected few, the chosen ones interact and exchange notes on our experiences. One common question that we all have is “How did you feel when you got appointed, and how has the journey been?”

When I first received the appointment letter for becoming an Internal Committee (IC) member, I was both thrilled and apprehensive. The letter arrived in a crisp envelope, embossed with the company logo, and as I opened it, my hands were slightly trembling with anticipation. “Congratulations, you’ve been selected as an Internal Committee member,” it read.

At that moment, I half-expected confetti to burst out of the envelope or perhaps a hidden orchestra to start playing some triumphant melody, but instead, it was just me, sitting at my desk, contemplating the gravity of the new responsibility bestowed upon me. The office buzzed around me as usual, but for me, everything had taken on a new hue. My colleagues congratulated me, some with a hint of envy, others with a pat on the back as if to say, “Good luck, you’re going to need it.”

The days that followed were a mixture of pride and anxiety. Being chosen felt like an acknowledgement of my dedication and skills, but the unknown territory of the role made me nervous. I started imagining the complexities of the cases I would handle, the delicate balance I would need to maintain, and the potential conflicts I might face. Little did I know, my imagination only scratched the surface of what was to come.

Training for the role was a whirlwind experience, to say the least. I walked into the first session expecting a simple rundown of the dos and don’ts. Instead, I was met with a detailed exposition of laws, company policies, and hypothetical scenarios that could rival any courtroom drama. The sheer volume of information was overwhelming. There were moments when I wondered if I had inadvertently signed up for law school.

We delved deep into legal frameworks, explored the nuances of workplace harassment, and discussed the psychological aspects of conflict resolution. The most memorable part was the role-playing exercises where we acted out various case scenarios. My role as “the stern chairperson” was particularly challenging; I never realized how hard it was to keep a straight face while a colleague dramatically confessed to an imaginary office misdeed.

The initial training sessions were intense, and designed to prepare us for the multifaceted nature of the role. We learned to navigate the labyrinth of legal jargon, understand the subtleties of interpersonal dynamics, and develop a keen sense of empathy balanced with impartiality. It was during these sessions that I truly began to grasp the weight of the responsibility I had taken on. Each scenario presented was a learning experience, teaching us the importance of meticulous attention to detail and the necessity of maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity.

My first case came sooner than expected, and it was a classic “he said, she said” situation that made me question everything I thought I knew about human nature. As I sat there, listening to both parties, I felt the weight of the responsibility pressing down on my shoulders. The stakes were high, and every word mattered. I learned quickly that an IC member must be part detective, part therapist, and part judge. The process was arduous; from collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses, to analyzing every piece of information with a critical eye.

I remember the satisfaction of concluding the case fairly, balancing empathy with justice, and ensuring both parties felt heard. The resolution wasn’t just about the outcome; it was about the process, making sure that everyone involved felt respected and that their concerns were addressed comprehensively.

The journey of the last three years has been a rollercoaster of emotions and learning experiences. Each case has taught me something new about people, conflict resolution, and myself. I’ve become more patient, more discerning, and oddly enough, more optimistic about human nature. Despite the often serious and sometimes distressing nature of the cases, I’ve seen moments of incredible courage and integrity. I’ve witnessed people standing up for what’s right, sometimes at great personal cost, and it’s in these moments that my faith in human decency is reaffirmed.

There have been many memorable moments along the way. One of the funniest was when a colleague, perhaps in a misguided attempt to lighten the mood, tried to bribe me with homemade cookies to get some insider information. Nice try, but not even chocolate chip cookies can sway an IC member! It was a light-hearted reminder of the trust and integrity required in this role. Another time, I had to investigate a company retreat. Conducting interviews while everyone else was enjoying their margaritas by the pool was a lesson in self-restraint and professionalism. It also taught me the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and ensuring that my responsibilities as an IC member did not overshadow my well-being.

Throughout these years, I have come to understand the profound impact of our work. Being an Internal Committee member is not just about enforcing rules; it’s about creating a safe and respectful workplace. It’s about listening to people’s stories, understanding their perspectives, and working towards fair and just solutions. The role has given me a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human behaviour and the importance of empathy in conflict resolution.

One of the most challenging aspects of the role is maintaining impartiality. It’s easy to form biases, especially when emotions run high, but the integrity of the IC process relies on our ability to remain neutral and objective. There was a case that particularly tested my ability to stay impartial. Both parties were colleagues I had worked with for years, and the allegations were serious. Navigating that case required me to set aside my personal feelings and focus solely on the facts and evidence. It was a difficult but invaluable lesson in professionalism and integrity.

Despite the challenges, the role has also been incredibly rewarding. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing you’ve contributed to a fair and just resolution, and that you’ve helped create a safer and more respectful workplace. It’s not always easy, and there are times when the emotional toll can be significant, but the positive impact we have makes it all worthwhile.

One of the most significant learnings has been the importance of clear and effective communication. Many conflicts arise from misunderstandings and miscommunications. As an IC member, I’ve learned to listen actively, ask the right questions, and ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the process and the outcomes. This clarity helps to build trust and ensures that all parties feel heard and respected.

Reflecting on the past three years, I can see how much I’ve grown, both professionally and personally. The role has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. It has also given me a deeper understanding of the complexities of workplace dynamics and the importance of a fair and respectful work environment.

As I look to the future, I’m optimistic about the continued positive impact of the Internal Committee. Each case we handle, and each resolution we achieve, contributes to a healthier, more respectful workplace. It’s a continuous journey of learning and growth, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

In closing, being an Internal Committee member has been a transformative experience. It’s a role that demands integrity, empathy, and a good sense of humour. And while the external members might get paid, the true reward for us internal members is knowing we are guardians of our company’s ethical standards. It’s about making a difference, one case at a time, and contributing to a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

So here’s to many more years of upholding justice, navigating the complexities of human behaviour, and fostering a culture of respect and fairness. Cheers to the journey, the learnings, and the unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. And yes, I’ll always remember to appreciate the little things, like the well-intentioned bribe of homemade cookies, and the invaluable lessons learned by the poolside at company retreats. Cheers! 

Need help in starting your IC journey? Write to us at contact@ungender.in.

Author: I am an IC member who wishes to be anonymous as this has enabled me to be vulnerable in my sharing. I wanted to write honestly and not enable any connection for my colleagues, cases or individuals who are associated with me in my role as a Chairperson. Thank you for reading and I hope you learned and found some resonance from my honest sharing.