When your board meets, it is important to ensure that everyone is well-prepared. Distributing meeting materials a minimum of a week prior to the meeting is one way to ensure everyone is prepared. This gives both new and old members the chance to read and prepare for the discussion.
It’s also important to inform your board prior to the meeting. This will allow any negative news to be made public prior to the meeting, so that it doesn’t come as a surprise during the meeting. It’s also a great time to speak with committees or officers who will be presenting their reports during the meeting. A clear line of communication between the management and board is important, especially when there are issues that require immediate attention.
Limit the discussion topics at the meeting to topics that are scheduled for discussion. This will allow you to move through each subject quickly and ensure that the time of the board is utilized effectively.
Don’t be discouraged by disagreements that might arise during some discussions. Boards which encourage diversity of thought are more likely to make better decisions than boards that have only one viewpoint. A little disagreement can be an excellent thing.
It’s also vital to make an habit of reviewing your board’s www.yearsboard.com/how-to-make-the-most-of-google-for-nonprofits/ previous decisions every meeting. This can help you avoid repeating the same mistakes during future meetings and highlight areas for improvement. Keep a record of the decisions were made can also be helpful in the event of disputes in the future.