If you’re running an existing board or preparing your first one, you must set your board up for success with the right process. This article outlines general guidelines for board meetings that will assist you in running meetings efficiently and ensure that all the important issues are discussed.

Board members must read the board documents in advance and ask questions. This is a crucial step to ensure that meetings are focused and on time. If you allow your members to ask questions that have answers in the board’s agenda, they’ll slow the meeting and leave less time for discussion of important agenda items. Also, members must be prepared to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could affect the discussion.

The board chair opens the meeting by giving a summary of the topic of the meeting and highlights from the calls prior to the meeting and board package. This helps to set the tone for everyone in attendance and draws them into the discussions.

If a motion is proposed, board members discuss the topic according to strict rules regarding who can speak and how long they can speak. This ensures that everyone’s opinions are equally considered and the board is able to reach a consensus. It is crucial to respect the other members by not interrupting or critiquing them in the course of discussions.

After the discussion, the board votes on the motions and decides which actions to take. Then the company secretary drafts the minutes from the board’s meeting https://boardmeetingapps.blog/key-factors-that-influence-professional-ethics-and-decision-making/ and sends them to the board members. They may then vote on the minutes at the next meeting or make any changes as needed.