The manner in which board meetings are conducted can vary greatly – from formal (all names must be in line with their titles, and they meet in a room with strict rules and procedures) to casual (meetings can take place in coffee shops or members at their homes). They may be closed, or open to the public and the decisions are taken by a variety means.
The board members must be able to make a clear decision of how decisions are made. It can be as simple or as complex as deciding to use a formal voting system that has a predetermined requirement for majority.
The next requirement of the board meeting is an agenda with all the topics to be discussed. Agendas are usually sent prior to the meeting so that members can prepare and be prepared for Source discussion. The agenda should strike a delicate balance between reviewing the past performance and planning for the future. It should also include time to address day-to issues of the day, but it is essential that the focus be on strategic discussions and not just catching up.
It’s also important that the chair of the board leads efficiently – ensuring that the meeting begins on time, and that everyone is given adequate time to discuss each item, and that all questions are answered. They must make sure that the board doesn’t get diverted and that the discussion is beneficial to the company. The chair should encourage discussion and allow for a wide range of opinions to get heard, and may re-order or remove items from the agenda if needed.