A board of directors is a fantastic option to ensure that your business will be properly managed and decisions taken in a fair, open manner. But for the board to be effective, it’s vital that all members are engaged and attending every meeting. Inadequate attendance at meetings lead to a decrease in productivity and effective leadership. Here are some tips to improve the quality of your board meetings.
Plan ahead: Make sure that the board members have received relevant information, including reports, financial statements, and background material prior to the date of the meeting. This will allow them to be prepared with well-thought-out questions. By sending information ahead of time, board members the chance to check their schedules and ensure they will be able to attend.
Start promptly: Begin your meeting by making a brief call to call the meeting to order and confirm that there is quorum. This will show the board that they respect everyone’s time.
Establish a clear decision-making process: A clear decision-making procedure keeps the discussion on track and helps avoid divergent thoughts that could disrupt the meeting.
Encourage active participation: Creating an environment where all members feel comfortable sharing their insights and perspectives isn’t easy. Chairpersons have a major responsibility in this regard and can help encourage participation by inviting input from all sides and encouraging conversations that are balanced and constructive. They can also establish ground rules for discussion in order to encourage concise remarks and equal time for everyone.