Transparent and honest communication between board members build the trust of board members that helps to encourage accountability. This also results in an engaged and well-connected board empowered to make decisions that are in line with the goals of the organization.
From the start of their tenure the new board members must be aware of their duties and expected outcomes. This includes the necessity to donate time, make connections both professional and personal and participate in fundraising activities. A welcome letter will outline communication channels as well as meeting dates and relevant information to help new directors settle in quickly.
Different people use information differently, so it’s essential to tailor communications for board members to suit specific preferences. Some people prefer reading lengthy reports, while others may better understand visualizations of data. Avoid technical language when writing reports or other information to make it easier to comprehend. Make use of analogies and real-world examples to illustrate the implications of data and reports, if needed.
It’s also crucial to mix up the style of board meetings instead of relying solely on PowerPoint presentations. Mixing up formats can aid in limiting the length of meetings, and also encourage the participation of board members.
It is essential that board members easily access the information they need even during meetings. Make sure you invest in an electronic document sharing platform that is user-friendly, secure features and high levels of scalability, and is in compliance with data protection laws. Some of the top solutions include Diligent Boards, BoardEffect, Passageways OnBoard and Aporio.