A well-defined strategic board agenda is the basis to conduct each meeting. It ensures that every discussion achieves its purpose and does not get lost in the details. But planning a strategic board meeting takes more than just the right format for your agenda. Board members also need to be prepared for the meeting, and ready to take part in productive discussions.
One of the most important things that a board can do to ensure a successful meeting is to read through the documents for the board in advance. This will allow them become familiar with the material and to prepare questions for the meeting. Additionally, this is a great way to improve participation by encouraging everyone to bring their unique perspectives to the table.
Another important aspect to consider when making a successful strategic board meeting is to concentrate on the content and not the structure. Board meetings must be efficient and focused, therefore it is crucial to arrange topics in a systematic manner, starting by focusing on the topics that are crucial and timely. Then, move on to the ones that build upon them. Last but not least, don’t forget reserve a portion of the meeting for new business. This is the best opportunity for the board to discuss constructive discussions that will help to propel the organization forward.
With more hands-on work being demanded of Boards in recent times, it can be easy for meetings to diverge from subject matter and take longer than they are. To avoid this, keep the information in an overview of the board at an organizational level.