If you’re a manager of an existing board or planning your first one, you’ll need to set your board up for success by having a clear process. This article outlines the general rules for procedure for meetings on the board that can help you run meetings efficiently and make sure that all important points are discussed.
Board members should prepare thoroughly prior to each meeting by studying the documents of the board and asking questions in advance. This is a critical step to keep meetings focused and on time. If you permit members to ask questions that are not answered in the board’s document it will delay the meeting and make it harder to complete the most important agenda items. Members should also be prepared to disclose any conflicts of boardmeetingapps.blog/board-meeting-agenda-items-and-protocols interests that could affect the discussion.
The chair of the board starts the meeting by giving a summary of the focus for the meeting, as well as highlights from the calls prior to the meeting and board package. This helps to set the tone for the attendees and draw them into the discussions.
When a motion is proposed and the board members discuss the issue following strict guidelines regarding who is allowed to speak and the length of their speeches. This ensures that all views are equally weighed and the board can come to a consensus. It is essential to respect other members during debates by avoiding interruptions and slamming speakers directly.
After the discussion the board votes on motions and then decides the next step. The company secretary then drafts the minutes from the board meeting, and then sends them to the board members. They may then vote on the minutes at the next meeting, or revise the minutes as needed.
