A successful board meeting requires an amount of planning. From putting the meeting into order to adjourning the meeting after the time is up This kind of planning can make a significant difference. The more people feel that their time and knowledge is respected and valued, the more they'll be involved in the outcomes of every meeting. Here are some helpful tips to help you achieve this.

Start the Meeting on Time

Don't overbook your board meetings, especially for meetings that are held in person. you don't want attendees to feel like they're wasting time. It is also helpful to give your attendees the opportunity to review the board deck and other materials prior to the meeting such as a complete board deck or an easier memo/Notion document.

Stick to the Agenda

The best way to ensure a productive board meeting is to establish a solid structure in place and adhere to it. This means not adding new agenda items prior to the meeting, requiring attendees to read the materials prior to the meeting, and setting expectations for each agenda item based on the length of time it is to be discussed. This will help the board meet keep their focus and avoid the board from drifting off.

Make sure that every item on the agenda has a clear goal - are you looking to gather information, reach an agreement or making a decision? This will help keep the meeting productive so that you can focus on the main issues and avoid tangents. The process of distributing the minutes of the board within 24 hours after each meeting will reinforce decisions made and ensure actions are implemented quickly and efficiently.