Boards play a critical role in governing a company, yet many of them meet for less than 10 hours a year. So it’s vital that directors use that time well. Board papers should be sent out at least four working days in advance to give directors time to read, digest, and prioritize. Each director should identify the one or two challenges or comments that they want to make at each board meeting. There won’t be time to comment on every issue, so focus on what you think is most important and where you can add the most value. If there are more than two discussions you want to bring up, don’t spring them on your colleagues. Submit your list to the chair in advance so that they can decide which to address at the meeting and which to address in other ways. During the meeting, resist the urge to chime in on every topic and be careful about prolonging discussions that your fellow directors initiate. Your goal as a group is to be thorough and efficient.
Adapted from "Running Better Boardroom Discussions," by Andrew Campbell
