How to Address Common Board Members Communications Pitfalls

Communication is essential to any business, whether it’s with the CEO or board chairman, or with fellow board members. However, when it comes down to communication between board members there are a few common mistakes that can cause a lot of frustration, misunderstandings and ultimately decreased trust.

Some of the most common complaints from board members are an absence of information, being misled or being caught off guard and not having their input valued. This can cause a http://boardroomtalk.org/board-of-directors-composition-best-practices lot of damage to relationships and hamper the ability for a board member to make efficient decisions.

Communication with board members can be conducted in a variety of ways. Utilizing a board portal instant messaging, email and video conferencing tools are good options for facilitating communication with board members between meetings. This means less time used for administrative tasks and more time to be set aside at the meeting for strategic discussions.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the preferred style of each board member’s of communication. For example, some people prefer to read, while others prefer reading emails or phone calls. This will help you tailor your approach to the different board members. You can ensure that they get the most relevant information, and that their requirements are satisfied.

It’s also essential to communicate with board members in a proactive way by assessing the urgency of each issue and the appropriate timeframe to respond. For instance If an issue is raised which isn’t scheduled at the next board meeting, it may be better to put off discussion until a later time.