A well-planned board meeting agenda is key to productive discussions that are informed and efficient in decision-making as well as governance within your company. Many organizations are caught in traps that hamper meeting efficiency and effectiveness. Here are the top mistakes you should avoid:
Not Providing Enough Time
Attempting to cover too many issues leads to rushed discussions, inadequate time for each topic and overall low productivity. To avoid this, choose only those topics that are important and relevant to the purpose of the meeting. Prioritize issues based on their urgency, importance and logical order. Include a section on “new business” and other unscheduled discussions. This allows the board members to raise any other concerns or issues to be considered.
The inability to incorporate diverse perspectives
Inevitably, certain board members will bring their own perspectives and ideas to the table that are valuable to the organization. It is a big mistake that will result in wasted opportunities and poor decisions. Promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment that respects and leverages different perspectives, will ensure the best results for your company.
Not Taking Action on Board Meeting Resolutions
Insufficient follow-up undermines the accountability of board members and reduces their trust. Set up timelines and responsibilities for every action, and then check the progress frequently to make improvements. After every board meeting, ask for feedback on the clarity of the agenda, the adequacy of the time allocations and the flow of the meeting. This will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your meetings.
