How to Address Common Board Members Communications Pitfalls
Communication is essential to any company, whether it’s with the CEO and board chairman or other board members. There are a few common pitfalls when it comes to board member communications that can cause frustration, misunderstandings, and ultimately, a loss of trust. The most frequent complaints from board members are an absence of information, being […]
Communication is essential to any company, whether it’s with the CEO and board chairman or other board members. There are a few common pitfalls when it comes to board member communications that can cause frustration, misunderstandings, and ultimately, a loss of trust.
The most frequent complaints from board members are an absence of information, being misled or being taken by surprise and not being valued. This can cause a lot of damage to relationships and diminish the capacity for a board to make effective decisions.
One way to tackle these issues is to make sure that communication with board members is conducted in a variety of ways. Utilizing a board portal, instant https://boardroomtalk.org/boardable-board-management-software-review/ messaging, email and video conferencing tools are excellent options to facilitate communication between board members during meetings. This means less time spent on administrative tasks and more time is available at the meeting for strategic discussions.
It’s also important to know the preferred style of communication of every board member. For instance, some prefer to be visual learners, while others prefer reading emails or phone calls. This will allow you to tailor your approach for different board members, ensuring that they are getting the most relevant information and that their needs fulfilled.
It’s also essential to communicate with board members in a proactive manner and evaluate the urgency of each matter and the appropriate timeframe to respond. If a topic is brought up that isn’t on the agenda of the next board meeting, it is best to put off discussion to a later date.