If your board meetings are not as effective as you’d think, it’s time to make some changes. Fortunately, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of your board meetings isn’t difficult or time-consuming. The steps below that can be implemented gradually over time, can significantly improve the quality of your meetings.
Begin by establishing a clear agenda and imposing time limits for each item. By setting a time limit on how long each topic can be discussed, members of the board are more likely to keep their discussions short and concise. The addition of a timekeeper to the meeting will also assist in ensuring that everyone adheres to these limits.
Similarly, avoid topics that only a handful of your board members are experts in. Instead, think about having one-on-one discussions with each between meetings to get a deeper understanding on subjects that require more research or knowledge. This way, you’ll make the most of meeting time for issues that require the board’s full attention.
Another issue that a lot of board members face is keeping the meeting on track after it has started. Discussions can quickly drift off-topic, especially if board members are familiar with each other and talking about personal news just before the meeting gets underway. Try to redirect the discussion to the agenda item at hand and respectfully redirect members if they continue to veer.
Your board meetings should be an opportunity for strategic discussions and discussion and not just a place to report and update. With a little planning and a few tiny changes, you could transform your board meetings into fun, productive events that are crucial for your business’s growth and success.