With 15 years of experience and certification in board management, serving as a board member in publicly traded companies, growth businesses, and municipal committees, as well as an adjunct organizer and producer of board meetings, I have built extensive experience and knowledge. In this blog post, I present one of my top five lists to optimize board meetings and contribute as an active, engaged, and professional board member:
A. Preparation: Ensure that meeting calls are sent out well in advance, with start and end times, and classify each agenda item as informational or decision-making. Ensure that all board members have access to meeting materials and attachments at least 5 days before the meeting.
B. Agenda with Clear Structure: Create a detailed agenda with specified time frames for each item. This helps keep the meeting focused and efficient.
C. Active Participation: Invite members to prepare to contribute actively. Send out specific questions or topics for discussion in advance, so that members can prepare to provide insightful contributions.
D. Financial Overview: Always include a current liquidity forecast and relevant financial reports as part of the preparations. This ensures that all members have a clear view of the company’s financial position and that taxes are paid.
E. Follow-up: Ensure that a signed protocol from each meeting is reviewed and approved. This ensures that all decisions and actions are documented and traceable, facilitating follow-up.
