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A well-planned agenda for board meetings sets the mood for the meeting and helps ensure that it succeeds in its goals. It includes the logical flow of topics and gives space for discussing new ideas. By sticking to the agenda items, you will reduce off-topic discussions and ensure that all topics are given adequate time. The sequence of agenda items shows the importance of each topic to the overall success of the group.
The meeting should begin by discussing first the most difficult topics. This strategy energizes your board and keeps them on their minds, and helps you feel more prepared to tackle difficult topics.
During this time, department and committee heads will discuss important updates and reports. The executive director typically gives the first report, followed by any other relevant committee reports. These reports provide the board with an a holistic view of the organization and allow them to make sure that their decisions are aligned with their strategic objectives.
Board members are often able to bring new insights to discussions. If they are not explored, it could lead to unexplored opportunities and poor decision-making. In the agenda, this open floor session encourages participation and enables a range of perspectives that can lead to more balanced outcomes.
Consider allocating a certain amount of time for each agenda item, depending on the size of your board. This will reduce the duration of discussions and help you determine whether or not it’s required for an item to be passed to a different committee. This is especially useful for urgent issues that require an immediate decision.
