A clear method of planning meetings is essential to have productive board meetings. This will ensure that you get the most from every minute of your meeting. This means keeping the discussion on track as well as limiting discussions that go off in the wrong direction, avoiding detours in discussion and reiterating the agenda’s goals when necessary. It is also about having an organized timekeeper who keeps the agenda in motion and someone who is tasked with taking precise minutes so that everyone is able to review them later on.
Distribute the agenda and other necessary materials in advance so attendees are able to prepare. This will keep meetings on time and allow your discussions to begin once everyone is up to with the current topics.
Reduce the amount of time spent on reports and routine items, which tends to slow conversations and leave participants bored and disengaged. Concentrate on the most important issues and strategic issues that help the organization grow.
Find patterns in your routine reports, and then turn these into actions that the board members can address during their meeting. This is an effective way to get your board members to address a problem, rather than simply responding to a report.
Give your board members an opportunity to express their thoughts and opinions during the meeting. This can help them to feel valued and heard, and it can also allow for new ideas to be introduced that might have otherwise not been considered.
