Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Board Meeting Agenda

A well-planned agenda is essential for productive discussions, informed decisions and efficient management in your business. However, many companies fall volume of data into common traps that hinder meeting efficiency and effectiveness. Here are some of the top mistakes to avoid:

Not Providing enough time

Attempting to cover too many subjects leads to rushed discussions limited time for each issue and overall poor productivity. To mitigate this, create an adequate number of high-priority items that are relevant to the meeting’s purpose. Prioritize topics based on urgency, importance and logical order. Include a section on “new business” and other discussions that are not scheduled. This allows the board members to address any additional questions or concerns for discussion.

Not Incorporating Diverse Perspectives

Inevitably certain board members will bring their own perspectives and perspectives to the table that are valuable to the organization. It is not a good idea to ignore these contributions, since it will lead to missed opportunities and suboptimal decision-making. Instead, creating an environment that values and enlists diverse perspectives can lead to the best results for your business.

Inaction on Board Meeting Resolutions

Insufficient follow-up undermines accountability of board members, and diminishes their trust. Set deadlines and responsibilities for each action item, then regularly assess progress to improve. Also be sure to ask for feedback after every board meeting on the clarity of agenda items, adequacy of time allocations, and the overall meeting flow. This will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your meetings.