The manner in which your board conducts its meetings is an important factor in the effectiveness and efficiency of your board. To maximize the impact of every meeting, create and follow clear guidelines and procedures to ensure that all board members know what is expected from them. This means establishing clear rules for making decisions, ensuring that you adhere to the guidelines for voting, and clearly logging the decisions made with precise minutes.
An organized agenda is the first step in preparing having a successful board meeting. Consider using visual tools such as countdown timers and setting time limits for each agenda item in order to ensure everyone is able to manage their time effectively. Beware of burying agenda items in lengthy reports and updates that will frustrate your board members, and prioritize addressing the most important topics to be discussed at the top of your agenda.
Communicate clearly how your board makes its decisions. Consensus-based discussions are ideal however, formal voting is also acceptable when it is necessary. Make sure that everyone knows the procedure for making decisions prior to each meeting.
Detailed minutes are a critical component to the success of any board meeting, and a good board secretary is essential. Make sure the person responsible for https://www.boardroomate.com/ taking notes is well-trained and a loyal member of your board. Make sure that the secretary of the board takes notes on all pertinent topics and also notes important information from the committee reports and officer reports. You must then accurately and promptly review all decisions taken at the meeting and assign responsibility to follow-up and action items.