Running a successful board meeting requires a combination of strategies that will yield the most results while creating an ideal environment for collaboration. The following suggestions will help you set a lively tone and encourage participation from different perspectives, and help you achieve your goals.
Clearly define the goals of Your Meeting
Setting clear goals helps to keep meetings on track and productive. This will also lead participants to meaningful discussions and decision making processes. Clarifying the meeting goals allows leaders to determine the order of the agenda, allot enough time for each topic and give them the flexibility to address any unexpected issues or urgent concerns arise during the meeting.
Start with the most important issues
By addressing the most important issues first, you’ll increase the energy of your meeting and put everyone in a more relaxed state of mind to have a deeper discussion. This is the best way to establish a precedent that your meetings are focused on issues rather than news.
Distribute all meeting materials prior to the event
The distribution of meetings materials and reports to all Board members prior to the meeting is the best way to make sure they are prepared for the meeting. This will allow the attendees to peruse the materials and formulate their opinions and ideas prior to the meeting. This will also keep the meeting from becoming off-track or entangled in administrative tasks.
Review Your Meetings
Using an online board portal allows you to record actions items and follow-up tasks during the meeting, and then give them out in an easily digestible format after the meeting is completed. Additionally, it is important to assess your board meetings periodically to understand the things that are working and what needs improvement.
