A safe board meeting gives directors with a safe space to express their views while being respectful, critical and constructive. This gives them the opportunity to explore their opinions and make an informed decision that contributes to the success of an organization.
The board chair is the most important factor in creating a secure board atmosphere by setting the tone, showing respect, and intervening to ensure discussions are on topic and civil. The chair should also ensure that meetings are on track to give everyone an opportunity to speak, and to give the secretary time to note-taking.
A well-written agenda is a essential element of a safe board meeting. Prioritize the most important items and shift things that are not critical to the next meeting. The agenda should include a section for executive sessions as well as reports that must be examined and approved.
It is essential to communicate the agenda as well as any reports that need to be reviewed in advance of the meeting so that the board members can go through them prior to the discussion. This will allow them to be better prepared for the meeting and also reduce the time reading reports during the meeting.
It is also essential to allow for plenty of discussion and Recommended Site questions during the meeting. It isn’t easy to finish an agenda without much discussion and debate. A skilled facilitator can be very helpful in this situation. Board members should be able to discuss safety concerns, incidents and potential hazards.