Effective Board Meetings are an essential component of board governance and support the strategic vision of an company. Meeting structure and agenda, board member preparation, and the length and format of meetings are all key to maximizing the effectiveness of meetings for board members. Minutes of meetings as well as action item implementation and decision implementation, are also crucial in documenting institutional memories.

A schedule of organized board meetings provides a framework for the board to discuss and think about issues of strategic importance that will contribute to the long-term viability of the organization. A well-crafted agenda for board meetings that includes an efficient distribution system will result in productive sessions. All board members must receive meeting materials in ample time Effective Board Meeting to read and prepare for the discussion.

The first item of any board meeting should be brief overview and current status of the company’s progress since the last meeting. This is an excellent opportunity to recognize milestones and major successes and discuss areas of improvement.

The board should then consider strategies and decide on the implementation plan that will proceed. The board should also come up with concrete metrics to assess the effectiveness of these plans, including tangible key performance indicators that align to the goals of the organization.