Preparing for your first board meeting is daunting. It doesn’t matter if you are a new director or if you are attending the first meeting of the board of directors in a new company. 

I am taking you through 4 key actions you should take in preparing for a board meeting to make sure you create the right impression and allow you to contribute fully.

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How to prepare for board meetings starts with be really clear about what you are bringing to the board team. You will have skills, experience and knowledge that other board members don’t have. To prepare for you first board meeting think through how your differences are can be used in the board meeting to best effect. 

Next, speak to the chairman of the board (or who leads the meetings) and find out what they expect from you during the board meeting. 

Second, I share 4 key areas of background preparation for a board of directors meeting that will increase your confidence and give you good insights to share in the board. You will also be a lot more confident asking questions and challenging other board members. A great way to prepare for a meeting with the other directors.

Third, build relationships or re-calibrate relationships (if internally promoted) before attending your first board meeting. I share tips on how best to do this. Knowing your peers on a professional and personal level is another key step in preparing for board meetings. 

Fourth, for how to prepare for a board meeting, plan out how you will contribute to each agenda point in the meeting. Prepare well and you can demonstrate your strong communication skills and leadership skills to peers. Setting the right impression will make working with peers a lot easier, more productive and more enjoyable. 

If you have any questions on “Preparing For Your First Board Meeting – 4 Actions For A Knockout Performance”, please email me at [email protected] and I will get back to you.

Jess Coles

Enhance.training