No matter who is the CEO, board chair or another board member, effective communication is https://boardroomtalk.org/board-of-directors-composition-best-practices/ essential for any company. However, when it comes to board members communications, there are some common mistakes that can cause frustration, miscommunications and ultimately diminished trust.

Some of the most frequent complaints from board members include an absence of information, feeling confused or being shocked and not having their input valued. This can cause rifts and make it difficult for a board of directors to make informed decisions.

Communication with board members can be conducted in many different ways. Utilizing a portal for board members, email, instant messaging and video conferencing are all fantastic options to facilitate communications with board members between meetings. This will mean less time spent on administrative tasks and more time to be set aside at the meeting for strategic discussions.

It is also important to understand the preferred style of communication of every board member. For example, some people prefer visual learning, whereas others prefer reading emails or phone calls. This will allow you to adapt your approach to various board members, making sure that they are getting the most relevant information and that their requirements satisfied.

It’s also essential to communicate with board members in a proactive manner and assessing the urgency of each issue and the appropriate timeframe for responding. For instance in the event that an issue comes up that isn’t on the agenda for the next board meeting, it might be better to put off the discussion until a later date.