How to Run an Effective Board Meeting
A well-organized board meeting is a solid basis for innovation and growth. To achieve this, it is important to establish clear objectives and a framework for the meetings, and make sure that the proper people are in room at the right time. The more board members feel that their time and expertise is respected, the more active they will be in discussions and decisions.
It is essential to disseminate the agenda and all other materials in advance, usually 3-4 days prior to the meeting. This gives board members time to go through the materials and form their thoughts and opinions prior to the date of the meeting. It also lets the chair begin with a brief summary of the topic for the meeting and key input being sought. This will help to energize the start of the meeting and keep it focused throughout.
When planning the agenda, it is essential to prioritize topics in accordance with their importance and importance. It is also crucial to ensure that all crucial issues are covered. Prioritizing items in this manner will allow the board to take strategic decisions, and not just concentrate on updates. This will lead to more productive meetings.
Following the timeframes in the agenda will prevent board members from getting sidetracked. Be sure to keep non-controversial topics off the agenda to conserve time and allow for deeper discussion of more strategic issues. Also, allowing the chair the option to make use of the « off-agenda », at the end of a meeting to push tangents that require more time can prevent distractions and cut down on wasted time.
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