How to Conduct Board Meetings Effectively
How your board conducts its meetings plays a major role in the effectiveness and efficiency of your board. To maximize the impact of every meeting, make sure that everyone on the board is aware of what is expected. This means establishing and sustaining clear rules for making decisions while adhering to the guidelines for voting and accurately recording decisions using accurate minutes.
An organized agenda is the first step toward a productive 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. Do not bore your board members with long reports and updates. Instead, put the most important issues at the top of the agenda.
Communicate clearly how your board decides. Consensus discussions are ideal, but formal voting is also acceptable in the event of need. Make sure everyone understands the procedure of making decisions prior to every meeting.
A good board secretary will ensure that your board meeting is a success. You must ensure that the person responsible for taking notes is properly trained and a committed member of your board. The secretary of the board should take notes on all topics relevant to the meeting including important details from committee and officer reports. Then, quickly and accurately summarize all decisions taken at the meeting in your board’s minutes and assign the responsibilities for actions and follow-ups.
