Running a successful board meeting requires a dynamic agenda that is comprised of a mixture of updates and discussions. But how do you ensure that the board is engaging in discussions focused on creating strategies that will propel the company forward rather than simply discussing information that already has been shared?
The importance of putting the most important topics of discussion at the top is important. This will encourage leadership to get the meeting moving by getting to the meaty discussions earlier, and it will establish a precedent that the meeting isn’t just a recitation of reports. This will help reduce the chance of being distracted by a new topic or spend time on activities that can be shifted to future meetings.
After the board has deliberated and agreed on the organization’s strategy, the next step is to create an action plan. This includes identifying specific metrics that are aligned to the objectives, such as the net promoter score, levels of customer satisfaction and retention, sales by region, or employee turnover.
During the discussion it is important that the board considers the pros and cons for each strategy. This will ensure that everyone is completely clear about what they’re agreeing to and also that the decision will have a positive impact on the business. It is also crucial to create an environment of respect so that board members feel comfortable sharing their opinions and challenging preconceived notions respectfully.