Planning, preparation, expectation setting, and a structured agenda are all key elements to managing a successful board meeting. Ensuring the facilitator is skilled in time managment, facilitation of candid discussion and engagment is another key element as well. It is important that all members have what they need to prepare no less than two weeks before and receive minutes and notes no more than two weeks after. Assessing the effectiveness of the governing board bi-annually and advisory boards annually is vital to ensure the board is accomplishing their goals. As long as the chairperson is managing the board well, conducting engaging meetings that are conventient and collaborative, and holding each member to their roles and responisiblities then the effectiveness can be ensured. My big take away is expectation setting and orientation are very important so that each member can be setup for success on the board and at each meeting.
