If it’s the CEO or chair of the board, or a fellow board member, communicating well is crucial for any company. There are some common pitfalls when it comes to board member communications, which can cause frustration, confusion, and ultimately less trust.
Some of the most common complaints from board members include an absence of information, feeling misled or being taken by surprise and not having their input valued. This can rapidly damage relationships and make it difficult for a board to make effective decisions.
Communication with board members can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Utilizing a board portal email, instant messaging and video conferencing tools are excellent options to facilitate communication between board members during meetings. This helps to reduce time spent on administrative tasks and allows more room for strategic discussions at the meeting.
It’s also important to know each board member’s preferred style of communication. Some people are visual learners, whereas others prefer to read email or make phone calls. This will help you customize your approach to the different board members. You can ensure that they are provided with the most relevant information, and that their needs are satisfied.
It’s also important to communicate with board members in a proactive way and evaluate the urgency of each matter and the appropriate timeframe for responding. For instance If an issue is raised that’s not on the agenda at the next board meeting, it might be better to postpone discussion until a future date.
