To ensure that everyone is on the same page, it’s crucial to prepare well for board meetings. These tips can help you develop an organized meeting that yields the best results every time your board is meeting.
During the pre-meeting it is important to review the minutes of the previous board meeting. Instruct each director to submit any materials or reports that should be included on the agenda. Also, determine the chairperson’s preferences regarding the presentation and organization of the board’s books. Some prefer a greater level of detail while others prefer the more traditional “dashboard” approach.
It is recommended to prioritize one or two key agenda items for each meeting to avoid filling meetings with lengthy reports or other routine topics. Also, don’t schedule more than thirty minutes per agenda item to allow each topic sufficient time.
It’s also a good idea to invite members from outside the board to board meetings to provide new perspectives and ideas. It can cost more money to include independent board members but the benefits and perspectives they provide are often worth it.
Additionally, ensure that you include the key decisions being made during the meeting so that all directors can clearly determine whether they agree or disagree with them. It’s an excellent idea to assign department heads to each decision so that they are able to relay the outcomes of the meeting to their teams.