Governance Meeting Protocol

Effective meetings include good preparation.

An effective business meeting--such as between board members or company officers--incorporates various factors. When every member understands these factors, the meeting has a firm foundation for productive communication leading to improved company leadership.

Details

According to the book "Group Work," by Timothy B. Kelly, Toby Berman-Rossi and Susanne Palomb, beneficial results occur when meeting protocol involves four key parts: thorough preparation, followed by a clear beginning, work period and ending. These components should also be complemented by a productive board chair or group leader who carries the meeting forward.

Benefits

With the four components implemented, each participant has a stronger likelihood of contributing to and benefiting from the meeting, thus strengthening the entire group. Preparation especially benefits the meeting protocol, contributing to a stronger focus on essential details and a more productive use of time.

Frequency

Regular and frequent governance meetings often help companies stay better attuned to business needs, and aid a spirit of teamwork as each member feels more involved. The book "Nonprofit Kit for Dummies" by Stan Hutton and Frances Phillips, notes that frequent meetings can appear less burdensome if kept to two hours or less.

References

• "Group Work"; Timothy B. Kelly, Toby Berman-Rossi, Susanne Palomb; 2001
• Te Puni Kokiri: Managing Meetings
• "Nonprofit Kit for Dummies"; Stan Hutton, Frances Phillips; 2009