Tag: minutes

VIDEO PODCAST: Unlocking the Secrets Behind Effective Meeting Minutes

Join Matt McEwan of Minutes Solutions, and Steve Roderick and David Velasco of JGS Insurance, as they dive into the realm of community association meetings in episode 159 of Community Association Car Chat.

In this episode, they discuss the challenges of minute taking for community associations and the benefits of professional minute takers. Matt walks you through the process of utilizing our minute-taking services and highlights the key qualities that make a great minute taker.

Additionally, he delves into the differences between minute takers and stenographers, providing valuable insights to help you navigate your options effectively.

Ready to enhance the efficiency of your community association meetings? Watch the video to gain valuable insights and learn how to start putting your meeting minutes to work.

Minutes Solutions Inc.

At Minutes Solutions Inc., we don’t just document meetings; we transform them. With a wealth of experience specializing in professional minute-taking for community associations, our team stands ready to elevate your meetings to new heights. As a professional third-party minute-taking company, Minutes Solutions provides prompt, accurate, and objective minutes for associations in every field. Since 2014, the company has provided minute-taking services for over 50,000 meetings for more than 4,000 organizations across North America. Its cohort of over 150 professionally trained minute takers in Canada and the U.S. undergoes rigorous training in industry best practices that help make board meetings more effective and allow staff and board members to focus on their core responsibilities.

What are Robert’s Rules?

Meetings are a vital part of organizational communication. It’s where decisions are made, plans are formed, and ideas are exchanged. However, without structure, meetings can become chaotic and unproductive. This is where Robert’s Rules of Order come in, providing a framework for conducting meetings efficiently and democratically.

Who is Robert?

The “Robert” in Robert’s Rules of Order is Henry Martyn Robert, a U.S. Army officer. Faced with the task of leading a church meeting in 1863 and not finding suitable guidelines, Robert was inspired to develop a standard set of rules for orderly and fair meetings. His initial rules were published in 1876 as “Robert’s Rules of Order,” and they have been a cornerstone of parliamentary procedure ever since.

The Genesis and Evolution of Robert’s Rules

Robert’s motivation was to bring order to the chaos he witnessed in meetings. He compiled and adapted various parliamentary procedures to create a comprehensive and adaptable set of guidelines. Since its first publication, Robert’s Rules have evolved through several editions, reflecting changes in society and the way organizations operate.

The Staying Power of Robert’s Rules of Order

The longevity of Robert’s Rules can be attributed to their adaptability and fairness. They provide a democratic structure where every member’s voice can be heard, and decisions are made transparently. This universality makes Robert’s Rules as relevant today as they were over a century ago.

Common Users of Robert’s Rules

Robert’s Rules are used by a wide range of organizations, including non-profits, corporations, governmental bodies, and community groups. They’re especially prevalent in places where democratic decision-making is paramount and where order and efficiency are necessary for handling complex issues and diverse opinions.

Pros and Cons of Robert’s Rules

Pros:

  • Structure and Order: They bring a clear structure to meetings, making them more efficient and productive.
  • Equal Participation: All members have an equal opportunity to contribute, fostering a democratic environment.
  • Clarity in Decision-Making: Votes and decisions are made transparently and systematically.

Cons:

  • Complexity: For newcomers, Robert’s Rules can seem daunting due to their detailed nature.
  • Potential for Misuse: In some cases, individuals knowledgeable in the rules can use them to manipulate meeting outcomes or stifle dissent.
  • Rigidity: In smaller, less formal groups, the strict adherence to rules can hinder open, creative discussions.

Robert’s Rules and Meeting Minutes

While Robert’s Rules of Order can provide a structured approach to conducting meetings, it’s important to note that understanding these rules is not essential for writing effective meeting minutes. Meeting minutes serve as a formal record of what transpires during a meeting, and their primary goal is to document key discussions, motions, votes, and decisions accurately and objectively.

For inexperienced minute-takers, familiarity with Robert’s Rules may be beneficial, as it could offer guidance on the procedural aspects of meetings. However, the focus for minute-takers should be on capturing the essential elements of the meeting clearly and concisely, regardless of their knowledge of Robert’s Rules.

Conclusion

The journey of Robert’s Rules of Order from their genesis to their current status is a testament to the vision of Henry Martyn Robert. Organizations across the spectrum, from volunteer-run community groups to governmental bodies and corporate boards, have adopted Robert’s Rules to streamline their proceedings. For these organizations, Robert’s Rules play a crucial role in ensuring meetings are democratic, orderly, and effective. As meetings continue to be a pivotal part of organizational operations, the importance of both Robert’s Rules and accurate minute-taking remains paramount.

Looking to Learn More?

The best resource for readers looking to delve deeper into Robert’s Rules of Order is the official book itself, currently in its 12th edition titled Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR). This book provides the most comprehensive and updated set of guidelines for parliamentary procedure as envisioned by Henry Martyn Robert.

For those who are new to the subject and seeking a more approachable introduction, Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief is a shorter, more digestible companion to the full manual. It is designed to help users conduct meetings, participate in them effectively, and move business forward in an orderly manner.

Additionally, there are various websites and organizations, such as the National Association of Parliamentarians, which offer resources, training, and workshops on Robert’s Rules. These can be especially helpful for individuals who prefer interactive learning or need specific questions answered.

Bolstering Your Board: Tips for Supporting Nonprofit Boards

In the realm of nonprofit leadership, addressing the intricacies of board dynamics is essential. Nonprofit boards encounter a spectrum of challenges, from recruitment hurdles to strategic misalignments between boards and staff, and other pitfalls that can impede organizational growth. 

Navigating these challenges requires a strategic approach to achieve effective board governance.

In this power-packed webinar, Matt McEwan of Minutes Solutions, Jill Krumholz of RealHR Solutions, and Barbara O’Reilly of Windmill Hill unravel the complexities of nonprofit board management. They share valuable insights on building strong relationships, strategic planning, fostering collaboration and a culture of open communication, as well as leveraging technology for effective board support.

This webinar is not just a discussion; it’s a roadmap for nonprofits to overcome hurdles, enhance board effectiveness, and, ultimately, drive impactful change. Whether you’re a seasoned nonprofit professional or just starting, the insights shared by the panelists offer actionable strategies to elevate your organization. 

To access the full webinar, simply follow the link provided.

Minutes Solutions Inc.

Minutes Solutions is your trusted ally, dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and accountability of nonprofit organizations. As a professional third-party minute taking company, Minutes Solutions provides prompt, accurate, and objective minutes for nonprofit boards across various fields. Since 2014, the company has provided minute taking services for over 45,000 meetings for more than 3,000 organizations across North America. Its cohort of over 125 professionally trained minute takers in Canada and the U.S. undergoes rigorous training in industry best practices. This commitment ensures that nonprofit boards can streamline their administrative processes, allowing them to focus on their core mission.

Can Radical Transparency Work for Associations?

A can’t-miss session at the 2023 CSAE Annual Conference in Montreal

Speaker
Matt McEwan
VP, Sales & Marketing – Minutes Solutions Inc.

Date
November 10, 2023, at 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 

Room
Rue McGill

As the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) annual conference in Montreal draws closer, we’re excited to spotlight a compelling session on our agenda, put on by our own Matt McEwan: “Can Radical Transparency Work for Associations?”

With the continuous evolution of digital technology and the growing demand for accountability in the corporate world, the concept of radical transparency has become a hot topic of discussion. But can such an audacious idea find a home in the world of associations?

Imagine a world where employees and members of your association are privy to the core of its operations – from staff salaries to daily communications. At first glance, it may sound chaotic, perhaps even a bit alarming. But dive deeper, and a vast sea of possibilities emerges from such openness.

Radical Transparency: A Boon or a Bane?

This question forms the essence of this session. It’s not just about exposing the underlying mechanics of your association. It’s about questioning the traditional norms, exploring the uncharted territories of management philosophy, and gauging the effects of such transparency on collaboration, trust, employee satisfaction, and overall operational efficiency.

What if lifting the curtains on your association’s strategic objectives and financial metrics leads to greater member engagement? What if it results in unbiased, clear-cut communication that enhances collaboration and accountability? On the flip side, are there dangers of discontentment, insecurity, or even exploitation?

Real-World Case Studies and Critical Analysis

The session will not just remain confined to theoretical musings. Be prepared to journey through the history of this concept as we uncover real-world examples of organizations that embraced radical transparency in its different forms. Learn from their success stories, understand the challenges they faced, and draw valuable lessons that can be applied to the unique landscape of associations.

While the benefits of radical transparency, like improved trust and reduced biases, might be evident, the potential risks and pitfalls, especially in the context of associations, need to be addressed critically.

Why Attend This Session?

For association leaders looking to innovate, enhance member trust, and create a more inclusive environment, understanding the dynamics of radical transparency is crucial. This session promises to do the following:

  • Provide a balanced perspective, weighing the pros and cons.
  • Equip attendees with actionable insights and strategies.
  • Foster interactive discussions, allowing leaders to share their apprehensions and aspirations.

Whether you’re contemplating introducing radical transparency in your association, or you’re simply intrigued by the concept, this session will offer a spectrum of insights and information. It will empower you to make informed decisions about how transparent your association should be and how to navigate the complexities that come with such a decision.

Add It to Your Calendar!

Montreal’s vibrant energy coupled with CSAE’s promise of enriching content makes this conference an unmissable event. “Can Radical Transparency Work for Associations?” is bound to be a highlight, so make sure you mark it on your itinerary.

We’re ready to challenge, inspire, and most importantly, engage with all association enthusiasts. 
Are you?

Strengthening Community Resilience Through Effective Governance

September ushers in National Preparedness Month, making it a perfect time for community associations to reinforce their governance structures in anticipation of inevitable challenges. This blog post explores the significance of preparedness from a governance perspective, highlights the critical role of record keeping, and offers insights on effectively using National Preparedness Month as an impetus for action.

The Imperative of Preparedness for Community Resilience

Preparedness isn’t merely a luxury; it’s a fundamental necessity. Whether grappling with natural disasters, public health emergencies, financial turbulence, or legal complexities, community associations must adopt a proactive approach to governance. Associations play a pivotal role in managing disasters and emergencies within their communities, and preparedness is the linchpin for smoother decision-making, response, and recovery during adversity.

How Minutes Can Help Your Organization

Accurate and detailed minutes are the foundation of good governance. They provide a historical record of meetings, decisions, and actions taken. During crises, minutes become invaluable for tracking resource allocation, understanding past decisions, and maintaining transparency. Well-maintained minutes act as a compass to navigate uncertainty.

National Preparedness Month and Your Community

National Preparedness Month serves as an annual reminder to evaluate and strengthen your association’s readiness. It provides an opportunity to scrutinize emergency plans, identify vulnerabilities, and refine procedures. Community associations can leverage this month to engage their members in preparedness activities and educate them about their roles in emergencies.

Crafting a Robust Emergency Plan and Its Components

During an emergency, community associations are responsible for disseminating crucial information to residents, coordinating emergency services, and facilitating community recovery efforts, among other responsibilities. An emergency plan outlines the organization’s response to various crises. It encompasses the following:

  • Clear communication protocols
  • Well-thought-out evacuation plans
  • Strategic resource allocation strategies
  • Contact information for key stakeholders
  • Defined roles and responsibilities for board members, community managers, and residents
  • Procedures for assessing and addressing property damage

When creating the plan, consider the specific risks your community faces, whether it’s hurricanes, wildfires, or flooding. Customize your emergency plan to address these unique risks and ensure that it undergoes regular reviews and updates to remain effective.

The Value of Professional Minute Taking

Professional minute-taking services, such as Minutes Solutions, are invaluable allies on the path to preparedness. They guarantee meticulous documentation of all critical governance discussions and decisions, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or disputes during crises. At Minutes Solutions, we understand the unique challenges facing condominiums and homeowner associations (HOAs). Partnering with our team of expert minute takers allows you to focus on strategic planning and effective response, empowering you to lead your community with unwavering confidence and resilience.

Together, let’s build more robust, resilient communities.

The Evolving Role of Governance in Asset Management

The asset management industry, with its multifaceted operational dynamics and the sheer volume of financial transactions, has long been under the microscope of various stakeholders. And at the center of it all lies governance. It’s a term that has grown and evolved, reflecting shifts in industry standards, regulatory changes, and global economic paradigms. Let’s delve into how the role of governance in asset management has changed over the years, the catalysts driving these shifts, and the direction it’s taking as we chart a course into the future.

1. Governance Then and Now

Traditionally, governance in asset management was largely perceived as a mechanism for oversight and control. The primary objective was to prevent impropriety and ensure legal compliance. Today, while these elements remain crucial, governance has broadened to encompass facets such as ethical investment decisions, stakeholder engagement, transparency, and the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

2. Drivers of Change

Several factors have reshaped governance in the asset management industry:

  • Regulatory Evolution: Post-financial crisis regulations, such as the Dodd-Frank Act in the U.S. and MiFID II in Europe, have ramped up requirements, emphasizing transparency, client protection, and risk management.
  • Stakeholder Expectations: The modern investor is more informed and demands greater transparency and accountability. Institutional investors, in particular, have emphasized the need for robust governance structures. Many firms now rely on professional minute-taking services to help manage their significant minute-taking needs and provide the transparency and communication their stakeholders have come to expect.
  • The Rise of ESG: The global momentum towards responsible investing has made ESG factors central to governance. Asset managers are increasingly held accountable not just for financial returns but also for their broader impact on society and the environment.
  • Technological Advancements: Digital transformation has brought about tools that enable more stringent oversight, better risk assessment, and proactive fraud detection.

3. The Future Landscape of Governance

The trajectory of governance in asset management suggests a few key trends for the future:

  • Greater Integration of ESG: With increased global emphasis on sustainability, ESG considerations will become even more integrated into investment decisions and portfolio management.
  • Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: Asset managers will likely adopt more proactive approaches to engage with stakeholders, using platforms and channels that facilitate two-way communication.
  • Tech-Driven Governance: As technology continues to advance, AI and machine learning will play a more significant role in predictive risk analysis, fraud detection, and even in guiding ethical investment decisions.
  • Global Harmonization: As asset managers operate in an increasingly globalized world, there will be a move towards harmonizing governance standards across borders to facilitate smoother cross-border transactions and collaborations.

Conclusion

Governance in the asset management industry is not a static entity; it’s dynamic, reflecting the complex interplay of global events, stakeholder expectations, and technological advancements. For industry professionals, understanding these shifts is not just about compliance; it’s about steering their organizations toward a future that’s resilient, ethical, and positioned for long-term success.

As the realm of asset management continues to grow in complexity, robust governance becomes not just a back-office function but a strategic imperative, shaping decisions and defining the very ethos of the institution.

How Professional Minute-Taking Can Help

As governance in the asset management industry evolves, there’s an amplified need for precise, reliable, and seasoned minute-taking services. As the global leader in professional minute-taking, Minutes Solutions offers unmatched support for firms navigating this dynamic landscape. Our expansive team of meticulously trained minute-takers and editors equips us to manage the high volume of meetings that asset managers and financial service firms often conduct. Given our industry-specific experience, our team excels in documenting technical subject matter with clarity and precision. As governance protocols continually shift, partnering with Minutes Solutions ensures unwavering integrity and accuracy in your records.

Why Minute Taking is So Vital for Professional Associations

In the world of professional associations, effective governance, transparency, and accountability are the cornerstones of success. As decision-makers, these organizations are entrusted with shaping policies, charting ambitious goals, and ensuring the collective voice of their members is heard. Amidst this dynamic landscape, one essential practice stands out as a powerful catalyst for progress – minute taking. In this digital age, where information flows at unprecedented speeds, minute taking may appear as a traditional practice. However, as we shall discover, it is far from obsolete; rather, it serves as a steadfast guardian of institutional memory and a key driver of effective leadership.

Why minute taking is imperative to any professional association:

1. Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigation:

   – Accurate and comprehensive meeting minutes serve as legally binding documentation of decisions made within the association.

   – By maintaining detailed records, professional associations demonstrate compliance with laws and regulations, reducing the risk of legal disputes or challenges.

2. Transparent Decision-Making and Accountability:

   – Well-documented minutes provide a transparent account of discussions and decisions made during meetings, ensuring accountability among association members and leaders.

   – Members can refer back to previous minutes to understand the rationale behind decisions and hold leaders responsible for their actions.

3. Continuity and Succession Planning:

   – As leadership roles rotate within the association, meeting minutes become vital resources for new leaders to understand past discussions, decisions, and ongoing initiatives.

   – Minutes facilitate smooth transitions and effective succession planning, ensuring the association’s objectives remain on track.

4. Communication with Members:

   – Meeting minutes serve as concise and easily accessible updates on important matters and decisions for members who were unable to attend meetings.

   – This enhances member engagement by keeping them informed and involved in association activities.

5. Evidence for Grant Applications and Fundraising:

   – Clear and well-documented minutes demonstrate responsible management, strengthening the association’s credibility when applying for grants or seeking fundraising opportunities.

   – Potential donors and funding agencies appreciate organizations that maintain transparent records, enhancing the association’s chances of securing financial support.

Conclusion

Minute taking plays a vital role in the success and sustainability of professional associations. By maintaining detailed and accurate records, these organizations ensure legal compliance, transparent decision-making, and accountability among members and leaders. Meeting minutes facilitate effective communication with members, support succession planning, and strengthen the association’s position when seeking grants or fundraising opportunities. Moreover, they serve as valuable evidence in legal situations and prevent misunderstandings or conflicts, fostering a cooperative and engaged association community. As a fundamental practice, minute-taking cements the foundation for strong governance and efficient operations within professional associations.

Minutes Solutions Inc.

Minutes Solutions takes the minutes for ASAE and CSAE boards and committees. As a professional third-party minute taking company, Minutes Solutions provides prompt, accurate, and objective minutes for associations in every field. Since 2014, the company has provided minute taking services for over 40,000 meetings for more than 3,000 organizations across North America. Its cohort of over 100 professionally trained minute takers in the U.S. and Canada undergoes rigorous training in industry best practices that help make association meetings more effective and allow staff to focus on the meeting and what they do best.

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DC Condo Act: A Guide for Community Managers

Community managers play a vital role in overseeing the operations and maintenance of condominium communities in Washington, DC. To effectively manage these communities, it is essential for community managers to have a thorough understanding of the legal framework that governs condominiums in the area. This article aims to provide community managers with an overview of the DC Condo Act, highlighting its key provisions and implications for their role in managing condominiums in the nation’s capital.

1. An Overview for Community Managers: The DC Condo Act, also known as the Condominium Act of 1976, is a comprehensive set of laws that govern the creation, sale, and management of condominiums in Washington, DC. Familiarizing yourself with the act ensures compliance and facilitates effective community management.

2. Responsibilities Towards Unit Owners: As a community manager, you are responsible for fostering a positive living experience for unit owners. The DC Condo Act specifies the rights and responsibilities of unit owners, including their right to occupy and use their unit, participate in the decision-making process, and access common areas and amenities. You must ensure these rights are respected while enforcing any rules or regulations outlined in the condominium’s governing documents.

3. Condo Association Governance: The DC Condo Act establishes the association’s role in administering and enforcing the condominium’s bylaws and rules. As a community manager, you may be responsible for facilitating board meetings, assisting with financial matters, and ensuring compliance with the act’s provisions. While the Act does not outline minute-taking requirements, it emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective governance within condominium communities. Maintaining accurate minutes helps fulfill these objectives by providing a clear record of events and facilitating communication with unit owners and other stakeholders.

4. Dispute Resolution and Compliance: The DC Condo Act provides mechanisms for resolving disputes and ensuring compliance within the condominium community. It is essential for community managers to be familiar with these provisions and encourage alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration. In cases where legal action is necessary, understanding the Act’s guidelines will enable you to assist affected parties in seeking appropriate remedies.

5. Staying Informed and Adapting: The DC Condo Act has been subject to amendments and updates over the years to address the changing needs of condominium communities. Community managers must stay informed about any revisions to the Act, attend educational seminars or workshops, and consult legal professionals when needed. By staying up-to-date, you can ensure effective management that aligns with the latest legal requirements.

Conclusion

A thorough understanding of the DC Condo Act is essential for community managers overseeing condominium communities in Washington, DC. By familiarizing yourself with the Act’s provisions and implications, you can effectively fulfill your responsibilities and support the smooth operation of these communities. By adhering to the guidelines of the DC Condo Act, community managers play a crucial role in creating a harmonious living environment while upholding the legal framework governing condominiums in the nation’s capital.

(Note: Community managers should consult the DC Condo Act directly and seek legal advice to ensure accurate interpretation and compliance with condominium laws in Washington, DC.)

Minutes Solutions

Minutes Solutions is a professional, third-party minute-taking company that specializes in prompt, accurate, and objective minutes for community associations. Since 2014, the company has provided minute taking services for over 40,000 meetings for more than 3,000 communities and organizations across North America, including the Community Associations Institute. Its cohort of over 100 professionally trained minute takers in the U.S. and Canada undergoes rigorous training in industry best practices that help protect community associations and instil confidence in residents, allowing community managers to focus on operational responsibilities.

If You’re on Time, You’re Already Late

Ever rushed into a meeting in the nick of time and pretended to have your bearings, even though your mind was racing to catch up? The meeting starts, but wait, you haven’t opened your template or pulled up your agenda! Your laptop isn’t plugged in and you didn’t have a moment to learn everyone’s names. You manage to focus after about 10 minutes, but by then you’ve likely missed a piece or two of critical information. Later, when you’re editing, you’re spending twice the time you normally would combing through the recording (if you had time to set up your recording device at all!)

Who hasn’t had a boss turn the phrase, “If you’re on time you’re already late”? In the world of minute taking, where motions can signify the movement of massive dollar amounts, this certainly holds true. Being late affects you in several ways:

You look unprofessional

Being on time “gives others insight into how you view them and yourself.” — cydcor.com

In the professional world, meetings begin at the proposed start time. Period. When building a professional relationship, employers may not want to work with you again if they think there is even a possibility you will be consistently late. Tardiness can make it seem like you don’t take yourself, or your profession, seriously.

There is no excuse

In the modern world, there are many technologies that help us to be on time. Between transit tracking apps and maps, we have several different ways to move through the city. If there is a personal or family emergency, be honest and communicative. Everyone knows you’ve got a cellphone, so use it.

Lateness causes stress

Being late does not just stress out your employer, who is counting on you to deliver a professional document that begins with the start of the meeting, the call to order. A survey of 2,000 adults by natural health company A.Vogel found that 81% said “being late is the No. 1 cause of [my] stress.” We don’t like to be late, so why do we do it? It just might be that those habits seem impossible to break.

How to Break the Tardiness Cycle

Being late will continue to affect your job performance until you take steps to improve your habits. Here are some simple adjustments to get yourself on track:

  • Plan for trouble: Always add 25% to your estimated travel time.
  • Pack your bag well before you have to leave: God forbid you end up without the materials or technology you need when important information is at stake.
  • Use tech: There are several time-tracking apps you can download on your phone to log your actions and learn how long typical tasks take to complete.
  • Trick your calendar: Schedule events in your calendar for 10 minutes earlier than they actually take place so your reminder comes a little early.

 

It may feel hard to change when you’re used to relying on the fastest travel times or trying to squeeze in one more email before you head to work, but with persistence, your efforts will be noticed and appreciated by employers and colleagues alike.

 

The Importance of a Good Agenda

Ever been in a meeting that was called about a certain topic, only to find that some completely irrelevant tangent ends up dominating the discussion?

A critical tool for keeping a meeting productive and on track is the often-underestimated agenda. Preparation is key to crafting a clear, defined road map that sets the framework for an efficient and functional meeting, even if the dynamic isn’t particularly harmonious.

If a board doesn’t use an agenda for its meeting, or relies on one that isn’t well thought out, it can end up having a wide-ranging, aimless discussion that achieves nothing.

The following steps show how to craft a good agenda that will mitigate redundant conversations and poor time management in meetings and ensure the group gets to the point quickly and stays focused.

1. Define the goal

Before putting down the first agenda item, answer this question: “What do we want to accomplish at this meeting?”

The person drafting the agenda should understand the priority of each topic to be discussed and develop a hierarchy of points that need to be covered to build a strong skeleton for the meeting. Reviewing the previous minutes in advance is a good practice as there may be subjects that are carried over from one meeting to the next. This gives the agenda a clear direction.

2. Everything has its time

In an ideal world, every topic can be discussed effectively during a meeting. The reality is: the longer the meeting, the greater the chance of attendees losing focus. Pick subjects for the agenda that require planning or action soon, not far down the road. For example, a discussion about snow removal next winter might not get on the agenda for a May meeting, whereas cleaning a parking garage or outdoor pool maintenance should make it on if decisions are required more imminently.

Suggesting a time limit beside each topic reminds participants they must keep their comments concise and relevant in order for the meeting to adjourn on time.

3. Drafting the agenda

When actually writing the agenda, topics should be outlined clearly and succinctly and can be listed in order of priority. Much like a concise resume, an agenda should be no more than one page. This sets the tone for the meeting — too many topics from the get-go can seem overwhelming.

Of course, there are standard items that should be on every agenda, such as:

  • Who the meeting is for (organization name)
  • Date/time/location
  • Call to order
  • Approval of agenda
  • Date/time of next meeting
  • Termination

The content between these headings is what is most important in creating an agenda that will deliver the desired outcome of a board meeting. For example, if one objective is to review the manager’s report, then “Management Report Review” should be one of the headings, with subtopics below. Subtopics act as an agenda within an agenda and add clarity and direction.

A good agenda is futile if nobody enforces it. The meeting chair should use the agenda as a roadmap and, if conversations stray off-topic, it is the chair’s duty to get everyone back on track. Long meetings can be costly and ineffective, and an agenda can act as the first checkpoint to ensure meetings stay on course.

The goal of a meeting is to reach outcomes and decide tasks or next steps. With a good agenda and someone to enforce it, the meeting has a much better chance of being efficient and successful.