During board meetings top-tier leaders gather to discuss and debate issues that are important to their organizations. The results of these discussions establish organizational direction and impact everything from confidence in investors to public perception. It is crucial for board directors to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness in their meetings. This article shares suggestions to conduct board meetings that have the goal of fostering engaging and productive discussions.
Begin by welcoming and introducing each board member, especially if they are new to the meeting. This sets the stage for a collaborative board meeting, assists in establishing proper manners for boardroom meetings, and encourages participation.
Begin and end the meeting at the right time, which is a sign of respect for other directors and deters tardiness. This is particularly crucial when you are meeting online and where balancing time can be challenging.
Do not waste time on trite or routine issues like committee reports and voting. Instead, limit these activities to 25 percent of the time and make the most of time to discuss strategy and other important issues.
It is important to communicate clearly the way in which decisions will be made during the meeting (consensus voting or a different method). This will ensure that all members of the board understand the decision-making processes and are able to take part in meaningful discussions.
Get feedback from your board members about their satisfaction with the way you conduct board meetings. You can do this through informal conversations, or using polling tools and surveys. For instance, you can inquire whether the structure of the meeting and content allows for a lively discussions or ask them to evaluate the different aspects of a meeting on an arranged scale.
