Board meetings are where the most important corporate decisions – ranging from company policy to management appointments to financial control and the response to crisis – are made. In this setting, members present their viewpoints as they debate and debate ideas and ultimately steer an organization through the complexities of business. The most effective boards develop agendas that foster constructive discussion and result in results.
One of the most important aspects of an effective board meeting is to provide adequate material for preparation in advance to board members. Nothing can derail a meeting’s effectiveness more than having participants have to read through important documents during the meeting itself or, even worse the materials being handed out late or not accessible in the first place.
It is helpful to make a list of the topics to be discussed prior to the meeting to ensure the board members are prepared and can anticipate. This allows the chair to concentrate on the most important issues and avoid rehashing topics already discussed.
It is recommended to include a strategic plan component at the top of the agenda. This will allow for a thorough review https://cbdboardroom.com/5-questions-boards-should-ask-after-an-audit/ of the board’s strategy to determine if it is still on the right track or if there are any gaps that require to be addressed.
It’s also a good idea to open the meeting with an inspiring or motivational message that invigorates the boardroom and sets the stage for productive discussions. This can be as simple as opening with a short story of the organization’s successes or acknowledgement of individual staff members and board member’s contribution.