How to Write a Good Board Meeting Agenda

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A well-written agenda for board meetings will ensure an engaging and productive discussion and will address the most important topics of the company. A well-written agenda will keep your participants engaged, whether you are conducting meetings in person or online.

An effective agenda begins with a clear and concise call to order that signals the beginning of the meeting and any related proceedings. This image source could include the name of the chairperson, as well as a brief description of the purpose of the meeting.

Then, your board meeting agenda should include a short report or presentation by the executive director or CEO on the company’s performance and major initiatives. It is also possible to include a section with the reports from the finance, nominating and governance committees.

Set aside time for guest presentations or open forums your company may be hosting. You should also include space for any special announcements or congratulatory remarks. Also, you should leave space for future business issues that need to be discussed or followed-up on.

Distractions from topics for discussion is a typical issue that can hinder the pace of your meeting. Include a parking area at the end of the agenda, where it is possible to discuss ideas that are new. It’s recommended to include an estimate of how long each item should take for discussion, since this will allow you to avoid extending the agenda for board meetings. If you can’t reach a decision regarding an item, transfer it to the next board meeting to ensure that your agenda stays on the right track.