A well-written agenda is necessary to a successful and productive board meeting. A well-organized agenda provides an effective framework for discussion and taking decisions, and enables everyone to leave the meeting with the same understanding of what has been discussed and taken a decision. An effective board meeting agenda can help you move quickly between topics of the meeting and avoid getting bogged down in details and make meetings more fun for everyone.
Start with the most important issues. Start with the most important items on your agenda. This allows the leadership to gather feedback and start discussions while participants are fresh in their minds. This can motivate attendees to arrive early, as they are aware that the most interesting discussions will begin immediately.
Review all reports that are submitted by board members, committees, and executives. This is necessary to ensure that any needed follow-ups are taken care of. It can also assist in avoiding spending time in meetings reviewing old business items that should have been addressed by the various committees on the board.
Give enough time to long-term discussions and strategic discussions. This is key to ensuring that the board can guide the organization effectively. Make sure you include the section for «old business» and «new business,» so that the board can review all of the pertinent follow-ups as well as the proposed new strategies.
Often long reports and other routine items can slow the meeting down and distract board members from the more important issues to be addressed. The «parking lot agenda» or «consent schedule» can cut down on the amount of time spent on these items.