A well-run meeting of the board is a great method to bring people involved in difficult decisions and problems. The key to having productive meetings is to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that they have been given the opportunity to examine the material prior. This facilitates discussion and helps boards make informed decisions in the best interest of the company.
Board members are likely to have a long list of commitments. This is why it's crucial to schedule meetings for board members as far in advance as you can and to ensure that all directors have accepted the invitation. It's also a good idea to create an outline of the board's agenda in order that all directors are able to access the material prior the meeting.
On the day of the board meeting, the most important thing is to control the time spent by the board effectively. This includes making sure that all items on the agenda are actionable, relevant and contains enough information. It is also an ideal idea for each item to be given the appropriate amount of time, so that the board does not get caught up in discussions that don't serve any purpose.
It's also a good idea to use an online poll on your board's portal to ask for feedback after every meeting, which helps to keep levels of frustration at a minimum and stop issues from boiling over. This can help improve the organization of future meetings and ensure that board members are prepared for tough decisions.