Preparing your board meetings takes time. The best boards are serious about it and ensure that their board meetings run smoothly. They plan meetings in advance to allow board members the chance to accept their meetings (and often, to negotiate their calendars). Board Members are extremely busy and are often on multiple other boards and teams so liaising with their assistants and individuals to ensure they are able to attend board meetings is crucial.
Another crucial aspect of prepping for your board’s meeting is making sure you have all of the materials prepared prior to the board meeting. The finalized agenda and board packet should be sent out about a week before the date of the meeting. This will allow Board Members to study and absorb the materials so that they are able to ask questions prior to coming to the board meeting.
Also, prior to your board meeting it is an excellent idea to schedule some short calls with your Board members or their assistants to ensure that they are ready for the meeting. This will allow you to quickly resolve any issues that may occur, like whether there are new slides which need to be distributed prior to the meeting.
It’s also a good idea to spend some time reflecting Information Security Solutions on why you’re on the board. This will help you stay focused on the board’s agenda and ensure you’ve covered all relevant topics.