A well-planned agenda for board meetings is crucial to productive discussions, informed decision-making and efficient governance within your organization. Many organizations are caught in traps that hamper meeting efficiency and effectiveness. Here are the top errors to avoid:
Not Providing Enough Time
Too many subjects can result in unproductive discussions and less time to address each problem. This leads to poor productivity. To avoid this, pick the few topics that are of high importance and relevant to the purpose of the meeting. Prioritize issues based on their importance, urgency and order. Also, make sure to incorporate a section for "new business" or any other discussion that is not scheduled. This will allow board members to bring up any other concerns or topics for consideration.
Not Incorporating Diverse Perspectives
Inevitably, certain board members will bring different perspectives and insights to the table that are beneficial for the company. Neglecting these contributions is a huge mistake that will result in unproductive decisions and opportunities. Promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment, which respects and leverages diverse perspectives, will result in the best outcomes for your company.
Not Following Through on Board Meeting Resolutions
Insufficient follow-up can undermine accountability and decreases trust among board members. Create timelines and responsibilities each step, and then assess the progress on a regular basis to make adjustments. After every board meeting, ask for feedback on the clarity of the agenda, the properness of the time allocations, and the flow of the meeting. This will help you continually improve the efficiency of your meetings and increase their impact.