No matter if your business is an established business or in an infancy phase Effective board meetings are essential for moving the company forward. In order to be successful, they require an agenda that is well-planned and a consistent and clear structure, and a structured deliberation. These guidelines will help board members concentrate on the most important issues and provide their expertise without being distracted by other agenda items.
Concentrate on the most important decisions the board must make and avoid spending too much time on updates. Begin the meeting by discussing the most important issues that require the board to make a decision. This will ensure that these discussions consume the majority of the time available.
Create a respectful and collaborative discussion space where all viewpoints are equally considered. This will promote a sense confidence and open communication. It will also ensure that all stakeholders engage in a productive discussion. Ensure that the voting process is fair and transparent and that each member of the board have an equal opportunity to take part (see below “Manage Time”).
Foster accountability for the follow-up and implementation of decisions, actions, and suggestions from each board meeting. This can be accomplished by regular progress reports, clear assignments membership management software of the responsibilities, and systems to track the results.
Set aside time at the start or at the end of each board meeting for an executive meeting, which enables non-executive board members to discuss key matters with management team members privately. This assures that the Board knows the CEO’s view.