Everyone has been through an assembly that was off-topic or was delayed. Although it might not seem like a big issue if it happens only at times, consistently off-topic conversations could damage morale and create problems with organization down the road. Board meetings that are scheduled for late hours can hinder the board from discussing and approving key action items.
The most common cause of running too long board meetings is stacking the agenda with lengthy reports and other routine items. The more you engulf members in detail, the more likely they will be to be tempted to look over. Limit reporting during board meetings. Inquire of committee members and officers chairpersons for bullet points instead of a minute by minute description of what’s been accomplished or being done. It’s also a good idea for topics that aren’t on the agenda but aren’t added to the agenda as an “parking area”. This space will prevent new topics from distracting attention from agenda items which should be the primary focus.
A clear agenda can help the board engage in a productive dialogue and take a more informed decision. This can be accomplished by starting the meeting with the most crucial issues and allowing space at the end of the meeting to let attendees ask questions or raise any new issues they are still concerned about. This will allow leadership to benefit from the collective wisdom of the board members and leave with great ideas that can propel the organization forward.