The first step for a successful meeting is to develop an agenda that works. The agenda for a board meeting does not have to be a set document that is used each time. Use the agenda to help you adapt the way you conduct your meetings to gain the best value from your board.
The agenda for the board meeting should clearly define the purpose of the meeting to avoid wasting time and ensure that all relevant topics are covered. The agenda should also include the mandatory and optional attendees, so that they can arrange for them in advance. It is recommended that you share the agenda with the board members prior to the meeting to allow them time to look over the topics and plan for your meeting.
It is crucial to include an item in the agenda of board meetings for business that is new to ensure that board members can address any issues or concerns that have not been discussed at the previous meeting. The old business section permits board members to review unresolved issues and decide what to do about them. The agenda of the board should include a section for reports from committees to ensure that the board gets invaluable information from the various committees regarding specific aspects of their work.
The final item on the agenda of the Board meeting provides an opportunity for the Board to discuss any items that were not on the Consent Agenda and to formally accept the minutes of the meeting. This will help avoid any ambiguities in the minutes of the meeting and ensure the accountability.