Whether it’s the CEO, board chair or another board member, communicating well is vital for any business. However, when it comes down to board members communications there are a few common pitfalls that can cause a lot of frustration, confusion and ultimately diminished trust.
Board members often complain about a lack information, being misled, or being shocked and not feeling valued. This can damage relationships and make it difficult for a board of directors to make good decisions.
Communication with board members can be conducted in many different ways. Utilizing a board portal email, instant messaging and video conferencing tools are all great options to help facilitate communication between board members during meetings. This helps reduce time spent on administrative tasks and makes more room to have strategic discussions at the meeting.
It’s also important to determine the preferred style of communication of every board member. Some are visual learners, whereas others prefer reading emails or phone calls. This will help you customize your approach for different board members, ensuring that they are receiving the most relevant information and have their needs met.
It’s also essential to engage with board members in a proactive manner, evaluating each issue’s urgency and determining the appropriate timeframe. If an issue arises that is not in the agenda of the next board meeting, it might be better to postpone discussion boardroomtalk.org/how-to-start-running-a-business-with-a-data-room-virtual-for-startups/ to a later date.