There are several practical tools that anyone chairing a meeting can use to make a meeting more effective. These tools are ones that have been suggested by top-level managers, meeting experts, association resources, and books and articles on the subject. They are intended to be practical resources that can be used immediately to make meetings more effective. Agendas It is nearly impossible to talk about effective meetings without discussing agendas. A properly prepared agenda can have a tremendous influence on the meeting s outcome.
Some agendas are more effective than others.
The items listed should not be merely sketchy notations indicating generally what is to be discussed but should be described at such length that the board will know what to expect. The person responsible for the presentation of each item should be noted, as should the expected length of time for its consideration at the meeting. Due care must be given to keep the agenda of the board meeting from becoming too full. If matters can be handled outside the meeting, they should be. Many managers recommend that the meeting agendas be as detailed as possible.