A safe board session provides a space for directors to voice their opinions while remaining respectful, critical, and constructive. This allows them to explore opinions and make informed decisions that contribute to the success of the business.
The board chair can help create a safe environment in the board by setting the tone and showing respect. They are also able to intervene to ensure that discussions are respectful and on the right track. The chair should also pace meetings to allow everyone to speak and allow the secretary time to take notes.
A well-written agenda is a crucial element of any successful board meeting. Prioritize the most important items and shift non-essential items to later sessions. The agenda should include a section for executive sessions as well as reports that must be scrutinized and approved.
Sending out the agenda and any reports that need to be reviewed before the meeting will allow board members to review them prior to the meeting. This will enable board members to be better prepared for the meeting, and will reduce the time spent reviewing reports during the meeting.
It is also essential to allow for plenty of discussion and questions during the meeting. It can be challenging to complete a full agenda without much discussion and debate. This is where a knowledgeable facilitator can be beneficial. Board members are encouraged to talk openly about safety concerns, incidents, and potential dangers.