The effectiveness of the board of directors is a crucial factor in the success of an organisation. High-performing boards manage the pillars of a systemic governance structure to ensure that they are focusing on crucial issues and obtaining accurate information and making use of their resources.
Effective board performance requires effective communication and a respectful debate that is free of personal attacks. Meetings, phone calls, and emails are all options to achieve this. It is important to keep in mind that the way people communicate differs and that age and personality variations can impact how messages are received.
It is important to keep in mind that the personality and preferences of other board members will affect the way you interact with each of them. For example older board members may appreciate phone calls, whereas younger professionals may not even respond to their phones. To get the most out of your interactions with other board members, it is important to learn their preferred communication style and apply it accordingly.
Board members must also be prepared for meetings by reading the documents and making sure they are aware of the key issues of the agenda. They should also be encouraged to take part in discussions and express their own views. This will assist the board develop an understanding of the most important issues and help them make better informed decisions. This increases their chances of coming up solutions and encourage a participation culture among board members.