Conducting a successful board session requires a variety of skills in everything from the creation of materials for board meetings to the facilitation of productive discussions. A well-run meeting will result in actions items that are implemented following the meeting, to help push forward. The crucial element to success in all these areas is effective board management, which encourages a diverse variety of perspectives and facilitates productive discussions, leading to new insights.
Create an agenda and distribute it in advance
An agenda that is well-planned is the foundation of a successful board meeting. It provides a guide to discuss and ensures that all important issues are covered. Members of the board should be encouraged to read agendas before the start of the meeting and suggest modifications or additions if they are required. A clear and concise meeting agenda will help keep the discussion on track and stop it from getting too long or diverting off-topic.
Conduct an Open Call to determine quorum
Make sure that all board members are able to be present at the meeting by ensuring that all quorum requirements are met. This can be achieved by implementing a roll call or using an online application such as Krisp, or relying on the rules and regulations of the company to determine the number of people who are required to be present in the person to legally conduct business.
Encourage Participation
Discussions that are productive require active participation from all attendees. It is possible to encourage this by energizing board members to be vocal, reaching out to those that may not be vocal, and by facilitating discussions using tools such as SWOT analysis or decision matrices. It is also important to respect and appreciate every opinion, regardless of whether or whether they are in line with the general consensus of the meeting.