Good management of the board involves the board’s structure, culture and decision-making processes as in the management of its employees. Good management is characterized by a consistent behavior and an understanding of the board’s roles and responsibility. Effective boards also recognize when they’re required to refocus and bring in new members.
Respecting the institution including its management and clinicians is a part of appropriate behaviour. Also, board service should be viewed as an obligation to the community. It is important to distinguish between governance and management, and also to understand the impact of a board’s decision on other people.
A solid policy process and an understanding of the role of the board are essential. To fulfill the three major duties of the board, which include setting strategy, taking significant and strategic choices and monitoring the activity of the organization, a robust policy procedure is essential. Effective policies help to narrow discussions, prevent duplicate work and reduce the pressure on management to produce unnecessary or detailed information for the board.
An organized agenda can dramatically enhance the efficiency of any board meeting. The best method to organize an agenda is to divide items for information action, strategic discussion and information. This helps the board understand its responsibilities and eliminates any concerns that it might need to decide on items of information. It is crucial that taskforces and committees have clearly defined guidelines and a process to avoid duplication of work. It is also beneficial to have an official secretary for the company who can assist in organizing meetings as well as manage the flow of information, and also create complete board materials that include relevant background documents.