How to Deliver Value at Your Board Meetings
If done correctly Board Meetings are the perfect opportunity to tap the collective wisdom of Important People to address key issues for your company and make important decisions. They can determine the direction that your organization takes, steering it through rough waters, and then into calmer waters. It is therefore crucial that you make sure every meeting is worth your time by making choices on the most appropriate issues, and keeping all your members engaged and making the most of their time.
To start the meeting, the chair should announce that a quorum is present. This can be done by asking all attendees to raise their hands or use a roll call. The chair will then provide a summary of the focus of the meeting, as well as an overview of the most important issues to be discussed. The chair should also make sure that any new items added to the agenda will be given sufficient time for discussion before they are put to vote.
Before engaging in any discussion or decision-making, it is vital to review all relevant information and reports. This includes financial statements and progress reports on initiatives or projects, and customer feedback surveys. This information should be compiled and distributed to each board member prior to the date of the board meeting so they can take in the information prior to the discussion.
It is essential that your board members can participate in honest, open discussions. This can be achieved by creating a culture of respect, encouraging quieter members to speak up and encouraging them to challenge the dominant ideas in a respectful manner. It is also crucial to ensure that your meetings are scheduled with regular breaks and refreshments, which will keep everyone active and focused.
