What does a board of trustees talk about?
I learned this from my friend Dr. Albert Reyes, CEO of Buckner International, and would love to pass it on to you. What to talk about in a board meeting falls into three categories. Being clear on this can help you plan and guide the board meeting.
- Information – Material that you want the board to know. This can be updates or general information about potential changes coming up. It could be a potential lawsuit or an actual lawsuit that has been filed. This category covers any information you think would be prudent for the board to know. Of course, board members can ask questions or stop to discuss. However, this section is really not intended for discussion, but to inform.
- Discussion – Issues you want and need the board to discuss. Be prepared to allot time and to facilitate discussions. As one who serves as chair, I think it is important to make sure everyone is heard. Here, no decision is needed.
- Decision – Issues on which you need a decision from the board. Of course, this may require a discussion as well. However, at the end of the discussion you need to drive for a decision.
It is helpful to differentiate these three categories so the meeting has a clear agenda. I also find that, if after laying out the agenda, I do not have many discussion or decision items, and it is primarily information that needs to be disseminated, we may cancel the board meeting.
Nothing is worse for a board member, nothing makes them more disengaged, than sitting there and just listening. They need to be engaged, and you need them to give their opinions on matters. Otherwise, do not waste their time attending the meeting.
