Evaluating the Effectiveness of Board Meetings – a Check List

* Notification of the board meeting was sent out at least a week before the meeting
* All necessary papers were sent out in advance (not handed out AT the meeting)
* The meeting room was conducive to work and to the comforts of the board members
* Board members arrived on time (perhaps a little before the meeting to chat and get organized)
* There was a quorum
* The meeting began on time
* The purpose of the meeting was clear
* The meeting began on a positive note
* New people and guests were introduced to the board
* There was adequate information regarding all matters for discussion and decision
* The atmosphere was open and productive
* The agenda was appropriate for the time frame
* The agenda was followed, or if needed to be altered, was, with the consent of the board members
* Issues and problems were openly and adequately presented
* If necessary, “Roberts' Rules of Order” were followed
* There was adequate time for discussion on separate items
* There was a conclusion to discussions: summarizing, things to do, who will do what by when
* Votes were taken as necessary
* Board members all participated as appropriate, kept to the agenda, listened to others and avoided “side meetings” that were distracting
* The board chair kept things in order and moving along
* Board members were thanked for their participation, work and involvement
* The meeting ended on time

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