Effective Board Meeting Procedures
Board meetings form the core of a company’s governance. However, they need to be designed to allow for productive discussions and decision-making. A successful board meeting is based on clear and consistent procedures. It also depends on ensuring that all voices are heard and that the board meeting agenda items and protocols agenda is adhered to. This article explains how you can organize your board meetings to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Begin by discussing the ground rules. This could include discussing the procedure of how to participate in discussions, how long the discussions can last, or what decisions will be taken. This prevents misunderstandings and helps create a more productive atmosphere.
Begin with an introduction from the facilitator or chairperson. This sets the stage for the remainder of the meeting and helps to create an effective and engaging discussion.
Review the reports of the various department heads or committees. This is a great opportunity for departments or groups to provide information and share any successes or issues.
Then, re-visit old or unresolved issues from previous meetings, or any new matters. This could include pending actions, projects or initiatives that have not been approved, or any other agenda items that require discussion and board decisions.
Discussions can detract from the main agenda and lead to discussions that drag on for too long. This can be avoided by creating an area for parking at the end of your agenda, in which you can discuss any new topics that don’t need immediate action. It is also beneficial to set an appropriate time limit for each agenda item. This will ensure that the discussion stays on track and prevent it from going off topic.