An agenda for board meetings will guide you through productive discussions and effective decision-making. It is best to use an outline or template to create an effective agenda for a board meeting and to put the most important sections at the top of the list. The most commonly used sections of a meeting agenda include a request for order as well as minutes of the previous meeting, committee reports and old and new business.
Make sure that the agenda of your board contains supporting materials for every item on the agenda. This will ensure that all participants understand the topic being discussed and allow them the opportunity to review information before the meeting. Set time limits on every item of the agenda to ensure that meetings don’t get too long and important issues aren’t overlooked or rushed.
Assign a responsible person to prepare a board meeting agenda and distribute it to the other board members well ahead of the scheduled meeting. This gives them the chance to review the meeting agenda and plan their responses.
The meeting will begin by calling the meeting to order, allowing the chair of the board to greet guests and give a general update on the progress of the meeting’s preparations. The next step is to approve minutes of the previous meeting. Review any changes to the agenda made by board members following the announcement of the meeting. Then, a section will be specifically devoted to strategic planning. If needed the need arises, a closed executive session will follow. The meeting is then closed.