Setting your strategic board meeting agenda

Effective governance is essential for organisations striving to fulfil their missions. Knowing how to craft a strategic board meeting agenda can significantly enhance the board's effectiveness and steer organisations toward success. In the webinar ‘Setting your strategic board agenda’, industry experts Steven Bowman, Conscious Governance, Margot Foster, Boardroom Excellence, and Sonya Beyers, Governance By Design explore the key components of governance practices, tailored specifically for the unique needs of non-profits and small to medium-sized businesses.

Why a strategic board meeting agenda is important

A well-structured board meeting agenda is not merely a checklist; it serves as the roadmap for board meetings. A strategic agenda aligns with the organisation's vision and objectives, and is able to guide discussions toward impactful outcomes.

Key components of a strategic board meeting agenda

To set a comprehensive strategic board meeting agenda, ensure the following components are included:

Ownership of the agenda

The chair of the board carries the ultimate responsibility for the agenda. They are the final arbiter of the agenda's contents, and it is their role to ensure that significant strategic matters take precedence.

It's important to identify the strategic component of a particular issue, says Sonya Beyers. "Think about what the strategic question is, and then ensure that makes it onto the agenda, rather than operational details."

Remember also, says Margot Foster, if you're new to a board, either as a board member or a chair, you do not necessarily need to inherit the agenda. "Make the agenda work for your board. It might take a couple of iterations until you settle on something that works effectively. Agendas are not static documents."

Focus on strategic discussions

Make it a practice to prioritise key, meaty, discussions at the top of the agenda. This timing takes advantage of directors' higher concentration levels at the outset of the meeting, setting the scene for a dynamic rather than mundane meeting.

Use the intel from board committees

Encourage board committees to provide insights and implications rather than merely reporting activities. Using this knowledge within committees allows for strategic outcomes to emerge from operational reports.

Implement consent agendas for efficiency

For items requiring minimal discussion, use a consent agenda. Directors are able to quickly approve multiple items and, therefore, free up time for more meaningful conversations on crucial issues.

Employ leading indicators

For performance measurements, use leading indicators in place of lagging indications. Often, boards rely on lagging indicators that focus on past performance metrics, which limits strategic thinking. Leading indicators provide insight into future performance, enhancing the ability to direct the organisation in a strategic way.

Engage your organisation's vision

Integrate your organisation's vision statement into the agenda to keep discussions anchored in the organisation's purpose.

"Every part of our discussion should be focused around how is this helping and getting us closer to our vision," says Steven Bowman. "Put it up there at the top of the agenda, and use it to help from your conversations and your questions, so that when you're asking a question, it's actually framed around the key elements of your organisation's vision."

Transform risk into a strategic tool

Risks are not only threats—they can also be opportunities for growth and innovation. This means taking the step to change the narrative from compliance to proactive engagement.  

Future-proof your governance with a strategic agenda

Setting a strategic meeting agenda enhances your board’s ability to lead an effective and productive board meeting, centred around your organisation’s vision and purpose.

Find out more in the on-demand webinar 'Setting your strategic board agenda’ and download your own Strategic Agenda Template.