Board meetings are an essential part of effective business management and are often the source of the company’s most valuable insights. There are a myriad of ways board meetings can become inefficient or unproductive. This article will explore some simple ways to help your organization keep board meetings lively and energetic.
Punctuality and Preparation
It is crucial to start the board meeting on time and ensure that all participants have the necessary materials to read ahead of the of the meeting. Nothing makes a board meeting ineffective more than members struggling to follow the discussion without the adequate background knowledge or understanding of the context. The board should also send the agenda to all participants at least three or four days prior to the meeting (or earlier) to allow them to prepare and go through it.
Respecting the timeframes for meetings outlined on the agenda is crucial to maintain productivity. This will show the participants that the board appreciates their professionalism and appreciates the importance of their time. The moderator or chairperson should always be watching the meetings’ progress and gently guide discussions to remain on the right track so that all of the agenda items can be addressed and the meeting is concluded promptly.
It’s also important to prioritize the most crucial items on the agenda. This will avoid spending time on non-controversial and long reports that could have been addressed directly by the CEO, the management team, or other committees.