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A successful board meeting is a vital element of a good governance. It facilitates deliberate discussion and decision making that can help move your business forward. It is essential to hold an active and thorough discussion, whether it involves discussing strategic goals or program challenges and successes or other important legal issues. Board meetings that are efficient and effective are well-planned and include prompt distribution of materials, an informative and comprehensive agenda, and clear communication of the procedure for making decisions.

1. Make sure that the agenda of the meeting is sent to all participants in advance and is easily accessible.

Nothing hinders a successful board meeting more than a group of members having to read through important materials as they are discussed or worse, have no access to the materials prior to the meeting. This can be avoided by distributing the agenda and all necessary materials at least 3-4 days in advance of the meeting.

2. Begin the meeting at the right time.

It is essential to start the meeting on time. Board members are more enthusiastic if they are prepared. You can achieve this by making sure all relevant material is on the agenda and by restricting discussion topics to the most important for the meeting. It is also possible to have the meeting outside of the boardroom such as at a site for a program or breakfast gatherings, to offer some variety and to stimulate new ideas and discussions.