Your board of directors is essential to the success of your community. Making the most of your board meetings starts with planning and preparation. Here are some tips for a more productive board meeting:
The agenda should be distributed prior to the meeting. This gives the board members an opportunity to read the agenda in advance and ask any questions, as well as prepare themselves for the discussion.
You might want to consider holding your board meetings in a public setting, such as the local library or conference room at an area business. This will eliminate distractions, such as pets, children, and the ringing of phones, which can distract a discussion.
Ensure that someone is tasked with taking detailed minutes during the meeting. This will ensure important decisions are recorded, and that the board can keep track of what has been discussed.
Limit the time frame for each agenda item in order to keep the meeting on track and prevent tangents. If you feel that a particular item on the agenda is taking too long, consider moving it to “parking lots” for later discussion. This will keep the main issues in the forefront.
The decision-making process should be explained during the meeting. This will allow everyone to comprehend the discussion and be able to participate, whether by consensus or voting.
Encourage officers at the C-level and their staff to attend the meeting to impart their knowledge. This will allow the board to hear directly from people who are closest to the action and who are best equipped to give the best advice.
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