An agenda for board meetings is a guideline for productive discussions and efficient decision-making. The best business management software method to create an effective agenda for your board meeting is to adhere to the guidelines and structure, with the most important sections being listed at the top of the list. The most common sections of a meeting agenda include a call for order and approval minutes from the previous meeting, committee reports, and old and new business.

Make sure that the agenda for your board includes supporting documents for each of the items on the list. This will ensure that all participants know what’s being discussed and give them the chance to go over information before the meeting. Make sure to include time limitations for each agenda items, so that meetings don’t get too long and valuable discussion topics are not rushed or ignored.

Appoint a responsible person prepare a board meeting agenda and share it with the other board members well ahead of the scheduled meeting. This allows them to review the documents needed for the board meeting, and prepare their responses.

Begin the meeting by calling the meeting to order. This allows the chair of the board to introduce attendees and give an update regarding the preparations. The next step is the approval of minutes from the previous meeting, followed by a review of any changes to the agenda that have been sent in by board members since it was circulated. A section is then specifically devoted to strategic planning. If needed, a closed executive meeting will follow. The meeting is then closed.