Board meetings should be engaging and productive and focused on the goals and direction of the company. By adhering to these best practices, boards can increase the effectiveness of their meetings and improve participation, while also increasing effectiveness, decision making, and governance.
Attendance at Quorum is Required
A quick review of the agenda and a brief summary of the highlights from previous pre-meetings, whether in person or by phone, will help set an uplifting tone for the remainder of the board meeting. This will also help ensure that there is a sufficient members who are quorum to conduct business.
Provide an In-Depth Discussion of the most important issues
Effective board meetings should include time for in-depth discussion. Overly long agendas may overwhelm participants with routine reports or “have to” items, which could distract them from discussions about the strategic and high-level issues.
Encourage Participation by Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment
Engaging discussions require a culture that encourages participation and respect for differing viewpoints. This can be achieved by encouraging everyone on the board to speak up and avoid personal attacks and encouraging dialog. This can be achieved by using methods for facilitation, board evaluations and encouraging a productive and informed discussion.
The decision-making process should be clearly defined to avoid disagreements, confusion and miscommunication. Decide if decisions will be taken through consensus, majority vote or another method, and then record the outcomes accurately in your board’s minutes. Be transparent about follow-up procedures and your accountability.