Communication is a must for any business, whether it’s with the CEO and board chairman or other board members. But when it comes to communication between board members there are a few common mistakes which can lead to frustration, confusion and ultimately diminished trust.
Some of the most frequent complaints from board members comprise the lack of information, feeling misled or being surprised and not having their input valued. This can seriously damage relationships and undermine the ability for a board member to make efficient decisions.
Communication with board members can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Using a board portal, instant messaging, email and video conferencing tools are all fantastic options to facilitate communications with board members between meetings. This means that less time to be used for administrative tasks and more time is available at the meeting for strategic discussions.
It’s also important to determine the preferred style of communication of every board member. For instance, some prefer visual learning, whereas others prefer reading emails or phone calls. This will allow you to tailor your approach to the different board members. You can ensure that they receive the most relevant information and that their needs are being met.
It’s also important to communicate with board members in a proactive way by assessing the urgency of each matter and the appropriate timeframe for response. If a question is raised that isn’t on the agenda of the next board meeting, it may https://boardroomtalk.org be best deferring the discussion to a later time.