5 Tips for Running a Successful Board Meeting

08/12/2024 Email Marketing

The successful running of a board meeting requires a variety of skills in everything from the creation of board materials to the facilitation of productive discussions. A well-run meeting should also result in actions items that are followed up on following the meeting to help move types and purposes of board resolutions forward. The key to success in all these areas is effective governance of the board which allows for a diverse array of perspectives and fosters productive discussions that lead to new ideas.

Create an Agenda and share it in Advance

A well-planned agenda is the key to an effective board meeting. It provides a guide for discussion and makes sure that all important issues are covered. Members of the board should be encouraged to read agendas before the start of the meeting and suggest changes or additions, if needed. A clear and concise meeting agenda can help keep the discussion focused and stop it from getting too long or diverting off-topic.

Conduct a roll call to establish the quorum

Ensure that all relevant board members are able to participate in the meeting by ensuring that all requirements for quorum are in place. This can be accomplished using a roll-call, an online tool like Krisp or the documents that govern the meeting to determine the amount of people needed to conduct business.

Encourage Participation

Participation in productive discussions requires active participation from everyone. It is possible to encourage this by encouraging board members to reach out to those that may not be vocal, and encouraging discussions with tools like SWOT or decision matrixes. It is also essential to respect and appreciate every opinion, regardless of whether or not they are in line with the dominant ideas of the meeting.