How to Create Safe Board Meetings
A safe board meeting gives directors with a safe space to express their views while remaining respectful, honest and constructive. This allows them to consider opinions and make well-informed decisions that aid in the overall success of the organization.
The chair of the board is crucial element in creating a safe board environment by setting the tone, showing respect www.boardroomsystem.com/safe-board-meetings-in-the-office-and-from-home/ and intervening to ensure discussions are focused and civil. The chair should also moderate meetings so that everyone has time to speak, and allow the secretary time to record notes.
A well-written agenda is a vital element of a successful board meeting. Prioritize the most important items and move non-essential items to later meetings. The agenda should contain sections for executive sessions and reports that need to be examined or approved.
Sending out the agenda and any reports that need to be reviewed prior to the meeting will allow board members to do so. This will make them more prepared for the meeting and will reduce the amount of time they spend on reading reports during the actual meeting.
It is also crucial to allow for plenty of discussion and questions during the meeting. It can be a challenge to finish an agenda without a lot of discussion or debate. This is where a knowledgeable facilitator can be helpful. Board members should be encouraged to share openly about safety concerns, incidents, and potential hazards.