Communication is crucial for every business, whether with the CEO or board chairman, or with fellow board members. But when it comes to board members communications, there are some common pitfalls that can cause a lot of frustration, confusion and ultimately lower trust.
Board members frequently complain about lack of information, being misled, or being top article caught off-guard and not feeling valued. This can affect relationships and make it difficult for a board of directors to make sound decisions.
Communication with board members can be accomplished in many different ways. Using a board portal, email, instant messaging and video conferencing tools are all excellent options to facilitate communications with board members between meetings. This means that less time spent on administrative tasks, and more time is available to strategic discussions.
It’s also important that you know the preferred style of communication of every board member. Some prefer to read, while others prefer to read emails or phone calls. This can help you to modify your approach to the various board members, making sure that they are getting the most relevant information and that their requirements fulfilled.
It’s also important to communicate with board members in a timely manner, evaluating each issue’s urgency and determining the most appropriate timeframe. For example, if an issue arises that’s not scheduled for the next board meeting, it might be better to postpone discussion until a future date.