A well-planned agenda is essential for productive discussions that are informed and effective governance in your organization. Many organizations fall into common traps that impede meeting productivity and efficiency. Here are a few top mistakes to avoid:
Not Enough Time
An attempt to cover too many topics results in rushed discussions, short time allocated to each topic and overall poor productivity. To avoid this, select a small number of items that are of high importance and relevant to the goals of the meeting. Prioritize topics based on importance, urgency, and order. Also, be sure to include a section for “new business” or any other discussion that is not scheduled. This allows board members to bring up any other issues or board room provider topics to be considered.
The inability to incorporate diverse perspectives
Inevitably, certain board members will bring unique perspectives and insights to the table that are valuable for the organization. It is not a good idea to ignore these contributions, as it could result in wasted opportunities and poor decision-making. Promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment that respects and leverages different perspectives, will lead to the best outcomes for your organisation.
Not Following Through on Board Meeting Resolutions
Insufficient follow-up undermines accountability of board members and undermines their trust. Establish responsibilities and deadlines for each action item, then periodically review progress to make improvements. After each board meeting, ask for feedback on the clarity of the agenda, the correctness of the time allocations and the flow of the meeting. This will help you constantly improve meeting efficiency and impact.