How to Have an Effective Board Meeting

A good board meeting is a vital element of a good governance. It provides for deliberate discussion and decision making that will propel your organisation forward. It is essential to have a a dynamic and thorough discussion, no matter if the meeting is discussion of strategic goals, program successes and challenges or important legal issues. Board meetings that are efficient and productive are well-planned and include timely distribution of material, an informative and comprehensive agenda, and a clear explanation of the process of decision-making.

1. Make sure that the agenda of the meeting is made available to all participants in advance and is easily accessible.

Nothing hinders an effective board meeting more than members who are scrambling to review critical materials during the discussion or, even more important, having no access to the material prior to the meeting. This can be avoided by distributing all agenda items and materials at three to four business days prior to the meeting.

2. Start the meeting at the right time.

Board members are most energized when they are well-prepared for the meeting, so it is vital to ensure that the board meeting is scheduled to start on time. You can achieve this by making sure all relevant materials are included listed on the agenda and limiting discussion topics to only those most important to the meeting. It is also possible to arrange the meeting outside the boardroom, like at a conference site or breakfast gatherings, which can provide some variety and to stimulate new ideas and discussions.

effective board meeting

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