Preparing for your board meeting, whether you’re chairperson or CEO, is vital to ensure that it is running smoothly. While it may seem counterintuitive to dedicate as much time the preparation for the meeting of the board as you do to attend it with a well-organized agenda and thorough board book can actually save you time in the long run as they help cut down on unnecessary side conversations.
It is also easier for board members who are younger or less experienced to comprehend the debate and how their contribution to the success of the business is impacted by the issues discussed at the board meetings. This can be especially beneficial for newer or younger board members who might encounter more difficulty engaging in complex discussions than their elder counterparts.
Additionally, it’s an excellent idea to determine the approximate duration of each item at the board meeting. This will help keep the meeting moving and prevent board members from being clock out before the meeting has ended.
Check the day before the meeting to ensure that the room is ready for the meeting, and that all catering arrangements are in place. Also, make sure that any directors who haven’t yet submitted their reports have a deadline and a method to submit their reports.
Prepare any information packets that will be distributed to the board members prior to the meeting, and also review any other meeting rules. It is ideal to distribute these packs 48 hours before the meeting so that board members are able to more info here participate in a debate that is well-informed at the meeting.