Effective board meetings facilitate robust discussions based on factual data and well-considered analysis, supporting clear decisions. However, to achieve this goal requires a dynamic environment where diverse viewpoints are valued and appreciated, as well as active participation from all members. This can be achieved using various facilitation techniques that increase engagement. For example it is possible to rotate who is the leader of the discussion on an agenda item, or encouraging board members share their opinions in a respectful manner.
Board members should be urged to prepare prior to board meetings in advance. This includes reviewing relevant reports, PowerPoint presentations, and other documents. This will enable more focused discussion at the meeting. Board portal software can help to facilitate this.
Before the board meeting An agenda that is complete, well-structured and allows for adequate time for each item should be distributed. The agenda should be written collaboratively with safeboardroom.com input from the board portal executives, the chair of the board and board members. This ensures that the most important points are discussed, and that any tangential discussions don’t hinder valuable discussions. It is important that the agenda provides an outline of the topics that will be discussed. This lets attendees prepare their thoughts and focus on the topic prior to the meeting. This can be achieved by providing a short description of each item in the board package. The CEO should also include a spotlight section in order to discuss the most important points from the meeting. This will help encourage discussion.