How to Address Common Board Members Communications Pitfalls

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It doesn’t matter if it’s the CEO, chair of the board, or a fellow board member, effective communication is vital for any business. However, when it comes down to communication between board members, there are some common pitfalls which can lead to frustration, confusion and ultimately lower trust.

Some of the most frequent complaints from board members comprise a lack of information, feeling misled or being surprised and not being valued. This can rapidly damage relationships and hamper the ability for a board to make sound decisions.

One way to tackle these issues is to make sure that communication with board members takes place in several ways. To make it easier to communicate between board meetings, a portal for board members or video conferencing, instant messaging and email are all great options. This helps reduce time spent on administrative tasks and frees up more space to have strategic discussions during the meeting.

It’s also crucial to be aware of the preferred method of communication. For example, some people prefer to read, while others prefer to read emails or phone calls. This will help you modify your approach to the different board members, ensuring that they are receiving the most relevant information and having their needs met.

It is also important to communicate with board members in a proactive manner by assessing the urgency of each issue and determining the right timeframe. If an issue comes up that is not on the agenda of the next board meeting it may be best to defer the discussion until a later date.