How to Run the Perfect Board Meeting

Planning and execution are key to a successful meeting of the board. Making sure the board is on track to have a productive and efficient discussion, while limiting time spent on non-board topics, is crucial. It may seem like an overwhelming task but with a bit of planning and follow-up, you will be able to run the perfect board meeting for your company.

Start at the right time Start on time: This will establish the tone and show that you appreciate your fellow board members and their time. Particularly when you are conducting a virtual meeting it is important to begin promptly and adhere to the timeframe you have set. This will also help you ensure that you have enough participants to ensure quorum. Quorum is the minimum number required to conduct business during the meeting.

Begin the meeting with an order of the meeting The act of calling to order helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and is ready to start the meeting. This is usually handled by the secretary of the board, who announces the names and identifies each board member who is present. This determines whether you have a quorum and whether or it is possible to proceed according to plan.

Present a state of the Union It’s a great way to start the meeting and frame discussion to come. The C-level executives, including the CEO, will need to provide an overview of the present state of the company, highlighting any challenges and growth opportunities that have arisen since the last board meeting.

Leave time for new items: It’s a good idea to keep a few minutes available decision making tools to help increase productivity at the end of the agenda to discuss any ad-hoc or new issues that are brought up during the meeting. This is a great way to make sure that all important subjects get the attention they need and that all relevant data is included in the minutes of the board meeting.