Board meetings should be engaging and productive, with the focus on the strategic direction and organization goals. By following these best practices boards will be able to maximize the effectiveness of their meetings, and increase engagement while also improving effectiveness, decision making, and governance.
Attendance at Quorum is Required
A brief review of the agenda and a summary of the highlights of previous meetings, whether in person or over the phone, will help set an optimistic mood for the remainder of the board meeting. This will also help to ensure that there is a members with a quorum present to conduct business.
Provide a detailed discussion of Critical Items
Providing time for discussions that are in-depth is an essential element of effective board meetings. A long agenda can make it difficult for participants to keep track of routine reports or “have to” items, which can divert attention from top article about how board portals can help you to reach your goals discussions about important and strategic topics.
Encourage participation by creating an environment that is safe and respectful
A culture that encourages participation and respects diverse opinions is essential for engaging discussions. This can be accomplished through encouraging everyone on the board to speak out by avoiding personal attacks and encouraging dialogue. This can be achieved by using board evaluations, facilitation techniques and encouraging productive and informed discussions.
Define the procedure for decision-making to ensure that there is no confusion, disagreements and miscommunication. Make clear whether the decisions will be taken by consensus, majority vote, or another method and keep the results in your board’s minutes. Be transparent about your follow-up procedures and your accountability.