Board meetings can help companies meet their goals for the future, avoid conflict and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements – but only if they are given enough time to be efficient. A little bit of effort from everyone involved can transform board meetings into productive, efficient and even enjoyable sessions.
Begin on Time
Being punctual is the first step to a successful board meeting, as it allows members to feel valued for their time. It is crucial that the meeting begins promptly. All materials should be handed out in advance so that members can read them prior to the meeting. This will allow for a discussion that’s focused on the questions at hand and avoids becoming bogged down by irrelevant details.
Set the time limit for each item on the agenda, and adhere to it as much as you can. This will help to keep meetings on schedule and avoid the hassle of waiting for board members to arrive late, or staying longer than the meeting should have ended (BoardEffect).
During discussions, make sure everyone has an opportunity to express their opinions. This is an essential aspect of the democratic process and will ensure that all opinions are considered equally. If an idea appears to be gaining momentum, restate the general proposal and ask whether there are additional considerations that should be taken into account before deciding. This will assist in making an option that will likely to be backed by all members and that will be successful.