5 Tips for Running a Successful Board Meeting

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A successful board meeting requires a range of skills in everything from the creation of board materials to the facilitation of productive discussions. A properly-run board meeting should lead to the development of actions which can be executed following the meeting to assist in driving forward. Effective board governance is the most important factor to success in these areas. It promotes a diversity of perspectives, promotes deliberations that lead to innovative insights, and fosters productive debates.

Create an Agenda and Share it in Advance

Effective board meetings begin with a carefully planned agenda that provides a roadmap for discussion and ensures that all important topics are discussed. Board members should be encouraged to review agendas prior to meeting and suggest any changes or additions needed. A clear and concise agenda can aid in keeping the discussion on track and prevent it from getting too long or drifting off topic.

Conduct a roll call to determine quorum

Assure that all board members attend the meeting. This can be achieved by implementing a roll call, using an online tool such as Krisp or by relying on the constitution of the organization to determine the number of persons who must meet in person to legally conduct business.

Encourage Participation

All participants must be involved in order to have productive discussions. It is possible to facilitate this by encouraging board members to reach out to those who might not be vocal, and encouraging discussions with tools like SWOT analysis or decision matrices. It is also crucial to respect and value every opinion, regardless of whether or not they are in line with the general consensus of the meeting.