Having been both an executive director and a board president, I’m on both sides of the board packet question. I know the staff’s temptation to send a ton of stuff, the better to inform and impress the board. I also know the board member’s tendency to run out of time to read the material, but still to be annoyed if the materials are either late or questionably useful.
More than 50 Blue Avocado readers sent in their comments about what they like — and can’t stand! — in board meeting packets. It’s clear that board members feel disrespected when board packets are late or sloppy, and feel railroaded when background information isn’t included for an upcoming decision.
This article is adapted from a section in Best of the Board Cafe, Second Edition, by Jan Masaoka, available from Fieldstone Press here.
Leave a Reply