The preparation for a board meeting can be an exhausting task. It involves coordinating dates with all those involved, communicating important information, and preparing an agenda that is dynamic for the board ahead of time. A well-planned agenda for the board can help ensure productive discussions that can lead to better decision-making and assist you in achieving the goals of your organization. The wrong one can lead to a dog’s lunch comprising a multitude of items, leaving little time for thoughtful discussion and making progress on important issues.
Boards should arrange agendas so they begin with long-term strategies and end with operational topics, such as policies and procedures. This prevents the tyranny of urgent issues from consuming and distracting board members and keeps them focused on what’s feasible within the confines of one meeting.
In the ideal scenario, you should allocate an exact amount of time for every item on your agenda for board meetings. This will prevent your meeting from running over and ensure that every topic receives the adequate amount of time to reach the desired conclusion.
It is also possible to include an item called “Nil” on your agenda for items that don’t have a strategic relevance or need clarification. This heading can encourage directors to raise new questions regarding strategic planning. It could also help remind board members of the ‘why’ they are serving the organization (i.e. its purpose) as a way to draw their attention back to the bigger picture.
