Whether you’re managing an existing board or planning to create your first one, you’ll must set your board up for success with the right procedure. This article outlines the general rules for guidelines for board meetings that will help you run meetings efficiently and ensure that all crucial issues are addressed.
Board members should prepare thoroughly for each meeting by reading the board papers and asking questions prior to the meeting. This is an important step to keep meetings on track and on time. If you permit members to inquire about topics that are addressed in the board’s agenda they’ll slow the meeting down and make it harder to complete the important agenda items. Additionally, members must be prepared to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could affect the discussion.
The chair of the board should begin the meeting by highlighting the primary aspects of the meeting as well as the highlights from the meetings made prior to the meeting, and the board’s report. This helps to bring everyone involved in the discussion and helps them get their bearings.
When a motion is proposed the board members debate the issue in accordance with strict rules regarding who can speak and the length of their speeches. This ensures all opinions are equally weighted and the board can come to a common understanding. It is important to respect the opinions of other members during debates by avoiding interrupting and critiquing speakers directly.
Following the discussion after the discussion, the board votes on the motions, and decides on the action to take. The secretary of the company drafts the minutes and sends them out to all attendees. They can then vote on the minutes at the next meeting or make revisions as required.
