A board meeting is a time to discuss strategic issues and take decisions that will ensure the success of your business. However, if the event isn’t well planned or executed it can be ineffective and waste time for the board members. Knowing the most common pitfalls will help you ensure that your board meetings are efficient and effective.
1. Overcrowding your agenda
Many topics are discussed in a single meeting, which can lead to chaotic discussions. It is also difficult to keep people engaged in this type of conversation.
2. Poorly prepared board documentation
It is essential to give all the necessary information to board members prior to the meeting. This includes the agenda for the meeting as well as the minutes from previous meetings, the board book, committee reports along with proposed policies and other pertinent information.
3. Inability to follow-up on actions items
Inaction on the outcomes of your board meetings is a major issue that can be avoided by assigning clear responsibilities and deadlines to tasks and communicating these actions promptly following the meeting.
To get the best results, it’s critical that every board member is heard in the decision-making process. This means creating a space where different viewpoints are respected and consolidated to make an informed decisions. This can be done by ensuring that all board members have the opportunity to be part of every meeting and ensure that results of board decision-making are recorded promptly.