Effective Board Meetings support the vision and the governance of an organization. Structure, length, design agenda, as well as the preparation of board members are important factors to maximize the effectiveness of board meetings. Minutes of meetings actions item implementation, the implementation of decisions are crucial in documenting institutional memories.
The establishment of a schedule of regular board meetings creates a framework for the board to discuss and think about issues of strategic importance that will contribute to the long-term success of the company. A well-crafted agenda for board meetings that includes streamlined distribution will ensure productive sessions. All Effective Board Meetings board members must receive meeting materials in ample time to study and prepare for discussion.
The first item to be discussed at any board meeting should be brief overview and status report on the company’s performance since the last meeting. This is a good time to highlight significant milestones and accomplishments and to discuss areas for improvement.
The board should then discuss strategies and decide on an implementation plan to move forward. The board should also establish concrete metrics to assess the effectiveness of these strategies, for instance, key performance indicators that are quantifiable and aligned with the mission of the company.