The best associations are the ones that are focused on their mission and driven to set and achieve goals. Directors have a clear intention for what they want to achieve. Their meetings have a clear purpose, and they stay focused in order to achieve those purposes.
The following are tools that can assist in leading meetings with focus and intent.
Be Mission Focused – Begin all meetings with the mission, and keep it visible throughout the meeting. Frame agenda items and discussions around how they advance the mission and strategic goals.
Have a Clear Agenda – Put together an agenda that has clear intentions and goals and stick to it throughout the meeting. Send it in advance to the directors to help reduce the number of reports and updates required.
Implement Board Orientation – This helps to avoid overwhelm and clarifies to them their fiduciary duty to ensure board meetings advance the mission and goals.
Create a Strategic Plan – This is your road map for the coming years. It should be referred to frequently and directors should each have a copy.
Evaluate Frequently – Take time to review how meetings went. What went well? What needs improvement? Discuss possible changes and implement.
Systematize Whenever Possible – This makes expectations clear and allows for more efficient operations. Use templates to save time, and checklists to ensure standards.
