Transparent and honest board members communications build a sense trust, which encourages accountability. This also results in a more engaged and aligned board that can make decisions that are in line with the goals of the organization.
The new board members should be made aware of their duties and expectations prior to the start of their term. This includes the importance to give time, establish connections both professional and personal, as well participating in fundraising activities. A welcome letter will provide communication channels along with meeting dates and relevant information that will assist new directors to settle in quickly.
It is crucial to tailor board member communications to the individual preferences of each member. Some individuals may prefer reading lengthy reports, whereas others might be better able to comprehend data visualizations. Make sure that reports and other information can be easily digested by avoiding technical jargon and using straightforward language. If needed to, use analogies or real world examples to illustrate the significance or data used in reports.
It’s also important to vary the format of board meetings instead of relying on PowerPoint presentations. Mixing up formats can help to limit the length of meetings and increase the participation of board members.
Make sure that board members easily access all the information they require even during meetings. Choose a platform for sharing documents that is user-friendly and secure with features, scalable, and compliance to data protection regulations. Some of the most popular solutions include Diligent Boards. BoardEffect. Passageways OnBoard. and Aporio.