A well-written report on the board can aid a board committee in communicating effectively with the entire board. Making effective reports requires careful analysis of how to structure the report and the best way to present it to ensure board members have the information they need to make the right decisions for the organization.
Although writing a board report might be difficult for certain people, with the right method, it is possible to create engaging and informative committee reports that aid in making informed decisions and provide effective oversight. Here are a few of the key elements to consider when writing a report for the board.
1. Barbara Anderson, a non-executive board chairperson and member of four different boards advises you to clearly state the intent of your paper. This is essential to the success of a report on a board and will tell your readers who are busy whether you’re writing to request for their input, or to inform them or solicit a decision.
2. Avoid excessive jargon and technical language and be sure of the meaning of the information you are sharing. Board members are busy and may read your report prior to the meeting to answer their questions. They must be able to comprehend the information quickly.
3. Analyze and interpret the data you present. Data alone does not tell a story, it has to be presented with analysis and interpretation to provide an understanding to the numbers. This will make your board members aware of the benefits and challenges facing your business.
