A great agenda for a strategic board should include an array of interesting topics and provide enough time for discussion. But creating an effective strategic board https://freshboardroom.com/what-is-membership-management-software/ agenda is more than arranging topics in the proper order – it also has clear guidelines for how to proceed, such as setting up a decision-making process and reviewing the follow-up actions.
To ensure that board members are prepared for the meeting, staff must send out the materials at least a week- and preferably a full weekend — in advance of the time. This allows everyone to look over the reports and identify the questions they feel the board should address. It is also crucial to make the meeting as convenient as possible for members to attend in person or remotely. This is essential to ensure an active and engaging discussion.
It’s essential to be real when estimating the length of time each topic will last so that discussions don’t get rushed. Avoid having meetings that are back-to-back which can cause fatigue and less participation.
It’s also important to avoid presenting any reports that don’t relate to the organization’s overall strategy. They often result in a tangled mess of information, with each business unit providing their own data and numbers, making it difficult to connect the dots. Instead, make sure you include only the most current and relevant board materials in the agenda. This will help ensure that the board is able effectively discuss strategic goals and long-term planning, as well as guide the organization.