Making sure you are getting the right information when planning a board meeting is essential to ensure a productive session. Board meetings typically have specific deliverables like board reports, strategic discussions, and the ability to make decisions. Here are some important points to consider when planning your meeting.
The day prior to your board meeting, confirm all the attendees and their attendance plans. Make a list of any remote directors who may need to join in via video conference and plan how you can best supply them with the necessary equipment or links to join the meeting. Make sure that the meeting space is accessible, and make sure you have any other supplies or catering.
Create a meeting agenda using the information in your board’s document as well as how to present your field-tested plan any questions or requests the chair of the board and executive directors might have. You can avoid last minute scrambles by having a draft agenda ready before the meeting.
The first item on the agenda should be a thorough review of the company’s performance since the last board meeting, which will include significant milestones and accomplishments and areas where the company may need to focus more attention. Consider how the company could advance with new growth strategies. This could include discussing new markets, policies for customer service, investor relations, or hiring new employees.