Board meetings are a time where board members can provide important feedback on a company’s progress. Board meetings are also an opportunity for board members to form bonds of friendship and trust.

To ensure productive discussions and efficient decisions, a successful board meeting must be preceded by a clear explanation of the meeting’s objective(s) before the board meets. Sending a board packet which contains all the details necessary for the discussion is one way to achieve this.

Some boards employ Robert’s Rules of Order as a guide for how to conduct their meetings, but using this book isn’t required for every board. It is generally the chair’s responsibility to ensure that all materials and invitations are sent out in time and that the notes are recorded, as well as that all board members receive the required materials prior to the meeting.

One of the most common errors that companies make is not preparing and distribution of see this site about can a board member be a consultant their board documents in advance. It is vital to share the goals of the board meeting to all attendees before the start of the meeting so that directors are able to prepare and ask questions before the meeting. This allows you to keep your meeting as brief as you can and free up time for discussion. If you have a board member who insists on a long report being included in the agenda, plan it last, at least one hour after any break.