From calling the meeting to an orderly conclusion when the time runs out, putting together the perfect board meeting requires a level of intentionality that can make a difference. If attendees feel that their time and knowledge is valued and appreciated, the more they’ll be involved in the results of every meeting. Here are some tips to help you get there.
Start the Meeting at Time
Don’t overbook your board meetings, especially when you’re having a meeting in person. You don’t want attendees to feel disengaged or they’re being a waste of time. It’s also beneficial to let your attendees review the board pack or other materials prior to the meeting – whether it’s a full board deck or an easier to digest Memo/Notion documents.
Follow the Agenda
The best method to ensure a successful board meeting is to establish a solid framework in place and adhere to it. This means not adding new items to the agenda prior to the meeting, and requiring attendees to read their materials prior to the meeting and setting expectations for each agenda item based on how long it should be discussed. This will help the board meet keep the focus on the main topic and avoid diverging.
Be sure that every item on the agenda has a clearly defined objective – are you looking for information, getting agreement or making a decision? This will allow you to keep the meeting productive as you can focus on the main issues and avoid tangents. Also, distributing the minutes of the board within 24hrs of each meeting will strengthen the decisions taken and ensure that actions are taken swiftly and effectively.
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