The manner in which your board conducts its meetings is a major factor in the effectiveness and efficiency of your board. To maximize the impact of each meeting, make sure that all board members are aware of the expectations. This means establishing clear rules for making decisions, ensuring that you adhere to guidelines for voting and clearly recording the decisions made with precise minutes.
A productive board meeting begins with a well-crafted agenda. Give time limits to each agenda item, and think about using visual boardroomate.com/ tools like countdown timers to enable everyone to manage their time efficiently. Avoid burying the agenda in lengthy reports and updates that make your board members bored, and prioritize addressing the most important topics to be discussed at the top of your agenda.
Inform your board members of the manner in which it decides. Consensus meetings are ideal however, formal voting is acceptable if it is needed. Make sure everyone understands the procedure for 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 well-trained and is a committed member of your board. Be sure that the secretary is noting all pertinent matters, including details from the reports of the comittee and officer. After that, promptly and precisely summarize all decisions made at the meeting in the minutes of your board, and assign responsibilities for actions and follow-ups.
