A well-planned agenda for board meetings is crucial to a productive meeting. The structure of the agenda as well as the manner in which it is presented can determine the outcome of a meeting. The board chair can simplify the preparation and running of the meeting if he or she can create and stick to a standard format. It allows the board to remain focused throughout the meeting, so they don’t get distracted by topics which aren’t relevant to the company’s mission or waste time with operational issues that can be dealt with through committees.
The majority of the agenda for board meetings should be devoted to key topics and generative discussions. This could be forward-thinking or relating to strategic goals or new data or information. In order to keep the board discussions focused, it is suggested to remove old reports or business that isn’t strategically relevant from the agenda. If these items are necessary they should be added at the end of a board session to avoid taking up too much time.
Board members should be provided with the agenda for board meetings prior to the meeting to allow them to familiarize themselves with the issues and topics that will be discussed. This can help them prepare for the meeting, and also give them an idea of what other board members plan to discuss. This level of transparency will ensure that the board stays organized and focused throughout the meeting. It will be a good way to reinforce the importance of in-person attendance.
https://freshboardroom.com/how-to-build-a-strategic-board-agenda/
