Board meetings are essential to aiding in the achievement of company goals, avoiding conflict and making sure that the company is in compliance with regulations. However, they are only productive if everyone involved is involved and committed to fostering a constructive dialogue. By applying these best practices you can transform your Board meetings into dynamic engines that propel your organization towards its long-term goals and goals.
The first step in running an effective board meeting is to set clear expectations and establish the meeting's protocols. It includes clearly identifying who is responsible for each item on the agenda, and making sure that all attendees have the full picture of what they can expect from your meeting.
By establishing and adhering to time limits for each item on the agenda, you'll be in a position to keep your focus throughout the meeting. This lets attendees know that they are appreciated. You might want to limit the number of items on your agenda to ensure that your board members have time to debate each one effectively. Noncontroversial items can be voted upon via a the consent agenda, which will free up more time for discussion of strategic issues (BoardEffect). Use visual tools such as countdown timers to keep track of your time, particularly when you are dealing with sensitive issues.
Being distracted by new topics for discussion can divert attention from the goals of the meeting and lead to unneeded discussions. Include an "parking area" on the agenda for topics which require further investigation or consideration but aren't the top of your list. Check the parking area regularly for the purpose of determining what needs to be added to the agenda, studied further or delegated.