Meetings of the board are crucial for the achievement of company goals, as well as preventing conflicts and making sure that compliance is maintained. But they will only be productive if everyone in the room is actively engaged and committed to fostering a constructive dialogue. Implementing these best practices can transform your Board meetings to dynamic engines that push your business towards its long-term goals and vision.
Setting clear expectations and meeting guidelines thedriverprinter.com is the first step in running a smooth board meeting. It is about clearly identifying who is responsible for each item on the agenda and ensuring that all participants have the full picture of what they can expect from the meeting.
Setting and adhering to the timeframes for each agenda item can help ensure that the meeting is focused throughout. It also shows attendees that their time is appreciated. Consider limiting the number of items on your agenda so that your board members have the time to discuss each item effectively. Items that are not controversial can be voted upon via a an agenda of consent to free more time to discuss strategic issues (BoardEffect). Use visual tools such as countdown timers and adhere to your scheduled time frames especially when dealing with sensitive issues.
Sidetracked discussions can lead to lengthy meetings that can detract from the goal of meeting. Include an “parking area” on the agenda to include topics that require further study or consideration but aren’t the top of your priority list. Be sure to check back regularly the parking lot to assess what needs to be investigated further or added to the agenda or assigned as a task.