Board meetings are the foundation of a company’s governance. However, they need to be organized to allow productive discussions and decisions. A successful board meeting is dependent on having clear and consistent rules, ensuring all voices are heard and ensuring the agenda is adhered to. This article will show you how to structure meetings for board members to maximize their effectiveness.
Start with a discussion of the rules of engagement. This could include discussing the process of how to participate in discussions, how long discussions can last, and how decisions are taken. This can help to avoid confusion, and ensure a productive work environment.
Start with a brief introduction from the chair or facilitator. This sets the context for the rest of the meeting. It also creates a productive and engaging discussion.
Check out the reports of various department heads or comitites. This is a chance for departments or groups to provide updates and discuss any successes or challenges.
Then, review the unresolved or old issues from previous meetings, or any new issues. These can be pending actions, projects or initiatives that have not been approved or any other agenda items requiring discussion and board decision.
Discussions can distract from the main agenda and can lead to discussions that go on for too long. This can be avoided by having an area for parking at the end of your agenda in which you can discuss any new topics that don’t require immediate action. Setting a time limit for each agenda item is also beneficial to keep discussions on track and avoid them drifting off-topic.
