Many board members sometimes complain that going to board meetings is a waste of time. This can result in board members losing interest in your organization or your cause, finding reasons to skip meetings or even leaving the board all together. To help keep you and your board meetings running efficiently, here are a few tips.

Send Out the Agenda Ahead of Time

Prior to the board meeting, send out a copy of the agenda to all the members and get their feedback. Ask them if there is anything they want to add to the agenda. This will discourage people from bringing items up at the meeting that the rest of the board is not prepared to discuss. Also ask board members if they can help you fill in the blanks of the agenda. This means that if there is input from the treasurer regarding budget issues or maybe the VP of administration has some details to add, they can be put down on paper prior to the meeting and recirculated to the members so they are better prepared for the discussion.

Set Time Limits For Discussions

Keeping track of time is important when running a board meeting. Board members often have other things competing for their time and attention. As you look over your agenda, estimate how much time you will allocate to discuss each item. Some things will only take a few minutes while others may take a half an hour and require a vote. If you see that an item is taking longer than scheduled, you can suggest that the discussion be tabled for the next meeting. This will allow members to think about and research the topic in question.

Keeping your board running smoothly is top priority for a non-profit organization. Board members experience and wisdom can provide the guidance you need to be successful. Be sure to keep them on track at board meetings and they will be happy to show up prepared for the discussion. Contact us for more information about keeping your non-profit organization running efficiently.