How to Address Common Board Members Communications Pitfalls

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It doesn’t matter if it’s the CEO, board chair or another board member, a smooth and effective communication is vital for any business. There are some common pitfalls when it comes to board member communications, which can cause confusion, frustration and ultimately less trust.

Board members often complain of lack of information, or are taken by surprise and not feeling valued. This can seriously damage relationships and hamper the ability for a board member to make sound decisions.

One way to address these issues is to make sure that communication with board members is conducted in many different ways. Utilizing a board portal, instant messaging, email, and video conferencing tools are great options to help facilitate communication with board members between meetings. This reduces time devoted to administrative tasks and allows more room for discussions that are strategic at the meeting.

It is also important to understand the preferred method of communication for every board member. For instance, some prefer visual learning, whereas others prefer reading emails or make phone calls. This will allow you to tailor your approach to the different board members. You will ensure that they receive the most relevant information, and that their needs are being met.

It’s also essential to communicate with board members in a proactive way, evaluating the urgency of each issue and the appropriate response timeframe. If an issue arises that isn’t on the agenda at the next board meeting, it may be best to defer the discussion to a later time.