Communication is crucial for any company, whether it’s with the CEO as well as the board chairman or board members. But when it comes to communications between board members there are common mistakes that can lead to frustration, miscommunication and eventually diminished trust.
Board members often complain of a lack information, getting misled or caught off-guard and not feeling valued. This can harm relationships and make it difficult for a board of directors to make informed decisions.
One way to tackle these issues is to ensure that communication with board members takes place in various ways. To make it easier to communicate between board meetings, a board portal and http://boardroomtalk.org/board-of-directors-composition-best-practices instant messaging, video conferencing and email are excellent options. This will mean less time spent on administrative tasks and more time to be allocated at the meeting for strategic discussions.
It’s also important to know each board member’s preferred style of communication. For instance, some are visual learners while others prefer to read emails or make phone calls. This will allow you to customize your approach for different board members, ensuring that they are receiving the most relevant information and have their requirements met.
It’s also crucial to communicate with board members in a proactive manner and assessing the urgency of each matter and the appropriate timeframe for response. If a question is raised that is not on the agenda at the next board meeting, it may be best deferring the discussion to a later time.
