Meetings at the Board are essential to supporting company goals, preventing conflict and making sure that the company is in compliance with regulations. However, they can only be successful if everyone is involved and committed to encouraging constructive dialogue. By implementing these best practices, you can turn your Board meetings into the dynamic engines that push your company towards its long-term vision and goals.
The first step to run an effective board meeting is to set clear expectations and establish meeting protocols. It includes clearly defining who is responsible for each item on the agenda, and making sure that all attendees have the full picture of what to expect from your meeting.
By establishing and adhering to time limits for each item on the agenda, you’ll be able to keep your focus throughout the meeting. It also shows the attendees that their time is appreciated. You might want to limit the number of items on your agenda to ensure that board members have the time to debate each one effectively. Voting on non-controversial matters can be done through a consensus agenda, which frees up time to discuss important issues. Utilize visual tools such as countdown timers to monitor your time, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects.
Distractions from the latest discussion topics can divert attention from the main purpose of the meeting and lead to lengthy discussions. Include an “parking area” on the agenda for topics that need further investigation or consideration but aren’t the top of your list. Make sure to regularly check the parking lot to determine what issues need to be added to the agenda, investigated further or delegated.