How to Address Common Board Members Communications Pitfalls
If it’s the CEO or board chair or a fellow board member, a smooth and effective communication is vital for any business. There are some common pitfalls when it comes board member communications, which can cause frustration, confusion, and ultimately less trust.
The most frequent complaints from board members are a lack of information, misinformation or being surprised and not being valued. This can cause rifts and make it difficult for boards of directors to take sound decisions.
Communication with board members is possible in many different ways. Utilizing a portal for board members, instant messaging, email and video conferencing are all excellent options to facilitate communications with board members between meetings. This will mean less time to be used for administrative tasks and more time to be devoted at the meeting for strategic discussions.
It’s also important to know the preferred method of communication. For example, some people are visual learners while others prefer to read emails or make phone calls. This can help you to modify your approach to the different board members, and ensure that they are receiving the most relevant information and having their needs satisfied.
It’s also important to engage with board members in an active manner by assessing the urgency of each issue and determining the most appropriate timeframe. If an issue arises that isn’t on the agenda of the next board meeting, it may be best to defer discussion to a later date.