From Bored Meetings to Board Meetings

Have you ever sat through a board meeting that felt like watching paint dry? I’ve been there and I’ll bet you have too. Many nonprofit boards struggle with engagement. Meetings can often turn into monotonous sessions where financial statements are read aloud, votes are mumbled, and everyone looks at the clock. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s transform those “bored” meetings into engaging, dynamic sessions that leave everyone feeling energized and accomplished. It won’t happen overnight. But it’s a start.

Introduce “Mission Moments”

Start your meeting with a “mission moment” – a short, impactful story or testimonial that highlights the organization’s work. This reminds everyone why they’re there and can reignite passion for the cause.

Set Clear, Achievable Goals

People engage more when they know what they’re working towards. At the start of each meeting, outline the goals you aim to achieve. Make sure these goals are specific, measurable, and relevant to your organization’s mission. For example, instead of saying, “We need to discuss fundraising,” say, “By the end of this meeting, we need to finalize the details of our upcoming fundraiser and assign specific tasks to each member.”

Mix Up the Format

If your meetings follow the same format every time, it’s no wonder they feel stale. Try mixing things up. Instead of always meeting in the same room, consider changing locations. You could even hold occasional virtual meetings to accommodate different schedules. Change the order of the agenda items, or introduce different types of activities, such as breakout discussions or guest speakers. This keeps things fresh and engaging.

Make Use of Technology

Use tools like Zoom or Teams for virtual meetings, Miro for collaborative brainstorming, or Trello to keep track of action items. These tools can make meetings more interactive and ensure everyone is on the same page. Plus, they can save time by streamlining processes like voting or document sharing.

Encourage Active Participation

One way to do this is by assigning different members to lead different parts of the agenda. This not only breaks up the monotony but also gives everyone a chance to contribute their expertise. You could also use the “round-robin” method, where each person has a set time to speak on a topic before opening it up for group discussion.

Use Storytelling

I cannot emphasize this enough: humans are wired for stories. Instead of just presenting dry data, use storytelling to make your points. For instance, if you’re discussing the impact of a recent project, share a specific story of someone who benefited from it. This makes the information more relatable and memorable.

Recognize and Celebrate Achievements

Nothing boosts morale and engagement like recognition. Make it a point to celebrate achievements, both big and small, during your meetings. This could be as simple as a verbal acknowledgment or as elaborate as a small award or token of appreciation. Celebrating success not only motivates board members but also reinforces the impact of their work.

Incorporate Training and Development

Board members are often eager to learn and grow in their roles. Incorporate short training sessions or workshops into your meetings. This could be on topics like fundraising strategies, nonprofit governance, or leadership skills. Providing these learning opportunities shows that you value their growth and are invested in their development.

Foster Open Communication

Create a culture of open communication where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. This starts with the chairperson setting the tone. Encourage questions and discussions, and make sure to actively listen to all input. When board members feel heard and valued, they are more likely to engage.

Follow Up and Follow Through

The work doesn’t end when the meeting does. Ensure that there are clear follow-ups and that tasks assigned during the meeting are tracked. This not only keeps everyone accountable but also shows that the time spent in meetings leads to tangible results. A simple follow-up email summarizing the meeting, outlining action items, and setting deadlines can go a long way in maintaining momentum.

Transforming your board meetings from dull to dynamic takes effort and creativity, but the payoff is well worth it. Let’s make board meetings something everyone looks forward to – not something they endure. The paint can dry on its own thankyouverymuch.