Communication is a must for every business, whether with the CEO and board http://boardroomtalk.org/improving-board-communications-effective-online-solutions chairman or other board members. But when it comes to communications between board members, there are some common mistakes that can lead to frustration, misunderstandings and ultimately lower trust.
Board members often complain of lack of information, being misled or taken by surprise and not feeling valued. This can seriously damage relationships and diminish the capacity for a board to make effective decisions.
One way to tackle these issues is to make sure that communication with board members happens in many different ways. Utilizing a board portal, email, instant messaging and video conferencing are all good options for facilitating communications with board members between meetings. This means that less time spent on administrative tasks and more time to be set aside during the meeting for strategic discussions.
Additionally, it’s important to know the preferred method of communication for each board member’s style of communication. Some people are visual learners, whereas others prefer reading emails or make phone calls. This will help you tailor your approach to different board members. You will ensure that they receive the most relevant information and their needs are satisfied.
It’s also essential to communicate with board members in a timely manner by assessing the urgency of each issue and determining the best timeframe. For instance in the event that an issue comes up that’s not on the agenda for the next board meeting, it could be best to defer discussion until a future date.
