We’ve all been there. The quality of meetings (of any kind) are all over he map. Have you ever walked out of a meeting feeling like it was a good use of your time?

Or it just felt good.

Wouldn’t it be great if your board meetings were like that most times?

Check out these ideas to enhance your meetings.

1.  Consider what makes for great meetings.

Set an agenda item and brainstorm at your next board meeting. Ask yourselves: What makes for an interesting meeting?

Examples generated from board members in a study by Chait, Ryan, and Taylor, authors of Governance as Leadership (one of the best books written on governance).

• Multiple perspectives are shared openly and people challenge each other respectfully.

• There is healthy debate on critical issues facing the organization.

• People are focused on important and compelling topics, issues, and problems.

• There is bold and creative thinking; time to imagine the future.

• People are well prepared in advance so no time is wasted.

• People learn new things; there is deeper understanding

What’s the list look like for your board?

This discussion will have the added benefit of taking your board’s temperature. What do they need to bring their best selves to the table?

2.  Use a consent agenda

The consent agenda was revolutionary for me when I first started using it. If you already use it, consider tightening it up.

Many of us have spent years listening to verbal reports that go on and on, it can be mind numbing.

“That was an awful meeting. What a waste of my time!”  (could that be your quote?)

Here’s how it works.

In developing the agenda for the meeting, combine all of the routine matters such as committee reports, board meeting minutes, and other non-controversial items not requiring discussion as one agenda item.

Dare I say, even the ED’s report.

Then the board can vote up or down. That means the board members MUST read in advance to participate in the meeting. Make it a norm and insist.

Have you ever noticed that the ones that complain the most are the same ones that have sparse attendance or don’t read the materials?

Simone Joyaux  – one of the best out there – suggests that the board chair be explicit.

“If you haven’t read the materials, please refrain from participating in the conversation this month.” 

I highly recommend Simone’s newish book – Firing Lousy Board Members. 

Send all of the items out in advance (in google docs or dropbox).

Any member can ask that a consent agenda item be moved back into the regular agenda for discussion.

Sample agenda (Adapted to your organization)

1. Approve consent agenda
2. Top priority item#1
3. Top priority item #2
4. Top priority item #3
5. xxx topic for conversation (predetermined by board chair and ED and sent out in advance)
6. New business and close

Here’s an idea to take it up a notch if you already use consent agendas. Put it last on the agenda. Scary, but makes for an incredibly focused meeting.

Learn more about consent agendas here.

There are many ways to improved board meetings. I highly recommend that you make it a practice to pick something to improve on a regular basis.

Boards are your most underutilized asset. Use them wisely.

What’s one thing you can do to improve your next board (or committee) meeting?

Tricia Dell is a fundraising coach, facilitator, and strategist for nonprofit organizations. Learn more at triciadell.com and follow her on twitter @triciadell.

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