The way your board of directors conducts its meetings plays a significant influence on the effectiveness and browse around this website efficiency of your board. To maximize the impact of every meeting, establish and enforce clear policies and processes, ensuring that all board members are aware of what they must do. This includes establishing and maintaining clear rules for decision-making while adhering to the guidelines for voting and accurately recording decisions using accurate minutes.
A productive board meeting starts with a well-planned agenda. You might consider using visual tools such as countdown timers, and setting time limits for every agenda item to ensure everyone is able to manage their time effectively. Avoid filling your agenda with long reports and updates that will frustrate your board members and prioritize addressing key topics to be discussed at the top of your agenda.
Make clear how your board decides. Consensus-based discussions are the best, but formal voting is acceptable when it is necessary. Make sure everyone is aware of the process for making decisions prior each meeting.
Minutes that are precise are an essential element to the success of any board meeting and a reliable secretary is vital. You must ensure that the person responsible for taking notes is well-trained and a dedicated member of your board. Make sure the board secretary is noting all pertinent matters, including details from the reports of the comittee and officer. Then, swiftly and accurately summarize all decisions made at the meeting in the minutes of your board, and assign responsibilities for the items to be followed-up on and actions.
