Communication is essential for any business, whether it’s with the CEO or board chairman, or with fellow board members. There are a few common pitfalls when it comes to board member communications that can cause confusion, frustration and ultimately less trust.
Some of the most common complaints from board members include insufficient information, misinformation or being shocked and not being valued. This can seriously damage relationships and make it difficult for a board member to make efficient decisions.
One way to address these issues is to make sure that communication with board members is conducted in many different ways. Utilizing 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 spent on administrative tasks, and more time is available during the meeting for strategic discussions.
It’s also important to know the preferred method of communication for every board member. Some are visual learners, whereas others prefer to read emails or phone calls. This will allow you to tailor your approach to the different board members. You can ensure that they are provided with the most relevant information and that their needs are being satisfied.
It’s also essential to communicate with board members in a proactive way, evaluating the urgency of each issue and the appropriate timeframe for responding. If an issue arises that isn’t on the agenda of the next board meeting, it is best to put off discussion to a later date.
http://boardroomtalk.org/board-of-directors-composition-best-practices