Cultivating Better Boardroom Conversations

better boardroom conversations

Every board meeting is different; in fact, a meeting that’s relatively dull and discussion-less might follow a meeting comprised of contentious and heated debate.

There isn’t a “right” kind of meeting, but there are some ways to help ensure that you’re getting the most out of your in-meeting conversations.

Don’t avoid disagreements; give them a structure

Many individuals are conflict-averse, but the truth is that board meetings sometimes demand that two sides state their cases for different paths forward.

Some of the best boardroom discussion can come from a debate-style format, but that’s the trick—the moments of disagreement should feel heavily controlled like they would in an actual debate competition.

In other words, set time limits for laying out arguments. Give individuals a structure that ensures balanced speaking time. When directors feel as though they have an equal opportunity to speak, it’s easier to focus on the topic at hand rather than on potential unfairness.

Create an environment where members are expected to be prepared

The only thing that can be more frustrating than a contentious meeting is a meeting in which there is no conversation at all. To avoid this, seek to establish an environment with high expectations for participation.

Make it clear to members that their input is not only expected, it’s necessary for the good of the organization’s future. Don’t forget, as Forbes writer Stuart R. Levine asserts, “Not being prepared is a reputational risk.”

Set aside time for strategic discussions by leaning on your agenda with allotted time limits

It’s easy for board members to get hung up on a single discussion, but it often prevents the board from getting to conversations about long term, strategic planning. These dialogues are the backbone of any successful board, so it’s important that they occur—even if it means cutting off a more lively and controversial debate.

Make it easier for board members to talk between meetings

This may seem like a strange suggestion, but if board members are encouraged to have more one-on-one discussions outside of meetings, it frees up in-meeting time for matters that must be handled by the entire board. As Andrew Campbell writes for Harvard Business Review, “Board discussion time is one of the scarcest commodities a company has—often less than 10 hours per year.

While making sure the time is used wisely is ultimately the chair’s responsibility, every director should maximize the value that is created from this resource.” Not to mention, increased communication between members helps stimulate a teamwork mentality.

At Directorpoint, we recognized this need and the fact that board members are already swamped with email communication. That’s why we have a messaging tool built into our software—we encourage board members to reach out to each other with questions or for assistance in between meetings.

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