Board Meeting Procedures – How to Run a Successful Board Meeting
A well-organized meeting can run more smoothly. When the procedure for meetings of the board is clear and consistent, members can concentrate on strategic issues and critical issues.
Board members must be informed about the agenda prior to its announcement and have access to all pertinent documents. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and prevent time-consuming surprises.
Ideally, board meetings start by sharing a success story to highlight the achievements of the organization and energize the room. This could be a member’s acclaim or an employee’s appreciation, or a milestone project. It could also create confidence and respect among board members.
The board then reviews old business items, which are any unresolved matters from previous meetings. This includes reviewing reports from committees and officers that describe the status of projects and finances. This section should be kept to a minimum so that you can have time for other important discussions.
After the board has addressed old business, it can shift to new business. This is when the board will discuss potential projects, policies and other initiatives. The chair should facilitate discussion and encourage a variety of opinions. It is also crucial to be capable of deciding on the direction of the board, and a clear process for decision-making must be established and communicated.
It is best to set a fixed amount of time for each item on the agenda. A discussion that runs over the time allotted can lead to rushed decisions or a crucial topic being ignored completely. To avoid this, the chair of the board should adhere to the scheduled click to read more time and be prepared to move items around if necessary.
