Whether your board members meet in person or remotely an open and transparent communications can result in more enthused boards and more effective decision-making. It is important to find the right solution for communication that is in sync with your organization’s culture and goals in order to equip your board with the tools they require to be able to navigate this important process. To assist you, we’ve created a list of tips for effective communication with board members.
Avoid “boardspeak” Beware of “boardspeak” – getting lost in your nonprofit’s terminology can quickly turn a conversation into unintentional dumping of information. Keep it short concise, clear, and always proofread.
Take note of the unique style of communication of each board members. Some people prefer to hear information in visual form, while some prefer writing. Understanding these differences will enable you to communicate better, and help you build a strong board culture.
Establish a regularity of communication. Your board meetings may be brief, but it is important to provide a steady flow of updates and reiterations. Try to schedule check-in calls or emails at https://boardroomtalk.org/board-of-directors-composition-best-practices/ the same time each quarter or month to ensure that your board is aware of what’s happening and when.
Visual aids can help you to understand complicated data or information. Visual representations such as diagrams, graphs, and charts can help your team understand patterns or trends that would otherwise be difficult to comprehend. By connecting these findings with familiar concepts and analogies, you will make the information easier to comprehend.