Conducting a successful board session requires a spirited agenda that consists of a mix of updates and discussions. But how do you ensure that the board is participating in discussions that are focused on creating strategies that will propel the company forward instead of simply analyzing information that already has been distributed?
The importance of putting the most important topics of discussion at the top of the list is important. This will help the leadership bring the meeting to life by getting to the meaty discussions early. It will set the tone that the meeting is not a mere recital of reports. This will help reduce the tendency to be distracted by new topics, and waste time on activities that could be put off until future sessions or incorporated into appendices of the board book.
Once the board has discussed and decided on the organization’s strategy, the next step is to create an action plan. This includes identifying specific metrics that are aligned to the goals, like a net promoter score, levels of customer satisfaction and retention as well as sales by region or employee turnover.
During the discussion, it’s crucial for the board members to discuss the pros and cons of every strategy. This will ensure everyone understands what they agree to and that the decisions made will have a positive impact on the business. It is important to establish an environment that is respectful of board members so that they feel comfortable speaking their minds and challenging established ideas in a respectful way.