There is no doubt that coordinating a board-level meeting can be a long, frustrating task. Your meetings can be unproductive and waste your time and productivity if they lack focus discipline or enthusiasm. There are simple things you can do to ensure your directors are involved and participate in a successful board meeting.
At Least Once A Year Review Your Meetings
One of the most effective ways to improve your meetings is to gather feedback. At the conclusion of the meetings each year, have your board members take two sticky notes with them and write notes with a “+” for the parts of the meeting were effective and a “-” for areas that could be improved. Then ask them to stick the notes onto a poster that they can place at the entrance, allowing everyone to see what needs to be changed.
Control Your Time
Keep your meetings as brief as you can to ensure you have enough time for genuine discussions and decision-making. Do not be enticed by the idea of including lengthy reports and “have to” items in your agenda. Rather than discussing detailed information that is already circulated in your book for board members, consider breaking it into smaller discussion topics or letting your directors conduct their own research and come to the meeting with questions to be discussed.
Board meetings are a great way to inspire your team and make them feel excited. Include “mission moments” to the meeting, where your board can hear testimonials and stories about the impact your company has on people’s life. This is a great motivational booster for the group.