Page 56 - C&A's Nonprofit Board Guide

EFFECTIVE BOARD MEETINGS:
HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR BOARD REMAINS EFFECTIVE?

B oard meetings should be structured The Board Chair and Chief Executive of the In addition to board members having knowledge Effective board meetings are essential to meeting
effectively to allow board members organization should communicate and work
of the organization and its industry, a board should an organization’s mission. A detailed agenda for
to connect with the mission of the together to determine the key agenda items and be comprised of members that collectively possess board meetings that allows enough time to discuss
organization and encourage a commitment to make sure that all board members are prepared to budgeting, financial management, fundraising, key items and a consent agenda for other non-
achieving organizational goals. Some practices discuss the important issues when they attend the human resources, and legal skills. The nominating essential items is a start to making sure meetings
that contribute to effective board meetings include meeting. The Chief Executive should contribute committee, or existing members of the board, are kept on course. Having a diverse board with
time management, a clear agenda, prioritization, items to the agenda that the board would otherwise should seek potential members to adequately varied skills and experience, and enough turnover
preparation, and a diverse board with appropriate be unaware of, such as organizational challenges represent all skills. in board members to introduce fresh perspectives,
turnover. and triumphs, risks, and other prospective matters. fosters discussion and new ideas, which lead to
The composition of the board, including the Managing the composition of a board’s skills, positive impact for an organization.
An effective board meeting begins with appropriate number of board members, essential skills experience, and education is an ongoing process.
time management. A consent agenda including possessed, and board terms will also help The board should evaluate its current status and
items that require formal board approval, but no board meetings be productive and support the plan for the future by considering the length
further discussion, should be used to reduce time organization in meeting its goals. The size of the of time members and officers have served.
spent on ancillary tasks. With less time spent board should strike a balance between different Continuity of board members brings historical
on passive agenda items, the board will remain professional and personal experiences, while still knowledge of the organization which can be
engaged with more critical issues. A meeting affording everyone the opportunity to be involved useful in future decision making. Alternatively,
agenda should be formulated to prioritize tasks, in the decision making process. A small board turnover results in fresh ideas and a different
and an appropriate amount of time should be may be limited in perspective and could place approach to reaching organizational goals. In
allotted to discuss and debate each matter. Items too much burden on each individual. A large general, it is a best practice to limit board terms
that require a board vote should be highlighted board will be more diverse but less likely to make to allow for a rotation of board members that will
to ensure they are addressed. Prior to the board decisions quickly and adjust to change. With a have something additional to bring to the table.
meeting, the agenda, supporting information large board, committees can be used to focus on
for discussion items, and any other relevant specific areas and report to the entire board, thus
data should be distributed to board members streamlining the level of time needed to vet out
with ample time to prepare and formulate their issues.
thoughts. All board members should consider
it their responsibility to review the material
provided and come to the meeting prepared.

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