There is no doubt that coordinating a board meeting can be a lengthy, frustrating task. If your meetings lack structure, focus or enthusiasm, it could cost you in the form of missed opportunities as well as lost productivity. If you’re looking to host a the best board meeting, there are a few easy steps you can do to ensure that your directors are participating actively.
Make sure you review your meetings at least every year
The process of collecting feedback is one the best ways to improve meetings. After a few of your meetings you can ask your board members to take two sticky notes and put “+” on the parts that were positive and “-” on areas that could be improved. Ask them to paste the notes on a poster they can display next to the entrance, so that everyone will be able to see the areas that need to be improved.
Control Your Time
Keep your meetings short next to allow for a meaningful discussion and taking decisions. Avoid the temptation to include lengthy reports and “have to” things on your agenda. Instead of delving into the detail that was already distributed in your board book think about breaking it up into smaller topics for discussion or letting your directors conduct their own research before coming to the meeting with questions ready to discuss.
Board meetings are a great way to motivate your team and make them feel excited. Incorporating “mission moments” to the meeting — where your board members are able to listen to testimonials or hear stories about how your organization is making an impact on the lives of people — can be a huge energy boost for the group.