A well-run meeting of the board is a solid basis for innovation and growth. To achieve this, it is important to set clear goals and a structure for meetings, and ensure that the appropriate people are in the room at the appropriate time. The more board members feel that their time and expertise are appreciated, the more involved they will be in discussions and decision-making.
It is vital to communicate the agenda and all materials in advance, ideally 3-4 days prior to the meeting. This allows board members to look over the materials and formulate their thoughts and opinions prior to the date of the meeting. This lets the chair begin the meeting by providing a brief summary of the meeting's goals and the primary input sought. This will help to energize the beginning of the meeting and keep the focus on the meeting throughout.
Prioritizing items according to their importance and impact is crucial when making the agenda. It is also crucial to ensure that all the important topics are addressed. This will allow board members to concentrate on strategic decisions, not just updating. This will allow for more productive meetings.
Following the timeframes in the agenda will keep board members from being distracted. The inclusion of noncontroversial topics on the agenda of consent can allow for more discussion on more strategic topics. In addition having the chair utilize an "off-agenda" at the end of the meeting to encourage further tangents that require more time could be beneficial to keep distractions at bay and to limit wasted time.
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