Board Papers by Warren Tapp

Article by Warren Tapp

One problem I often see is that the Board gets a large file of Board papers. This is because the CEO gives them everything they have since the Board has never told the CEO what they want and don’t want. A Board should discuss what reports they want and what they do not need.

Perhaps mark the papers with a star if they require a decision or approval and the unmarked papers are for their information and reading only. The agenda is very important, and the Chair and CEO will work together on this to ensure the right matters are being reviewed by the Board. A good Chair will not allow directors to suddenly want to raise new topics at the meeting that are not on the agenda (unless it is to advise the building is on fire!)

The Board papers should be in the hands of all directors at least 3 business days before the meeting so they all have time to read the reports and ask any questions before the meeting. Last minute papers are not effective.

I always recommend moving strategy to the front of the agenda, so it gets time to be discussed and not run out of time near the end of the meeting. A Board should spend more time on the future of the company and less time checking up on how many paper clips were used last month.

Do a review of your Board pack together and see if it needs revision in terms of its usefulness and completeness, otherwise ask for changes.

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