An efficient, effective board relies on the sincere commitment and clear communication of its members. As those who have experience on a board will know, being able to convey ideas and get ‘on the same page’ with other members has an enormous impact on the group being able to reach decisions in a timely manner.

So what can you do to make sure your board is working as an effective team? Make sure they are building great interpersonal relationships. This does not mean living in each other’s pockets outside of times set aside for board meetings, but it could mean investing some extra time to get to know the other people who are working towards the same end: effective governance.

Although some organisations might find benefit in getting together for a meal or drinks outside of the boardroom, these separate social events are not necessarily as advantageous as far simpler measures. Team members taking breaks at the same time has been shown to boost productivity and increase job satisfaction among call centre workers, and it is likely a few minutes by the coffee urn mid-meeting can have the same effect on many boards (and it’s not just about the caffeine). Team members who are allowed time to speak to one another individually, rather than just address the group, tend to be less critical and place less blame for team shortcomings on other members. Staving off resentment in this manner leads to groups of cordial individuals, who can work together with confidence and creativity.

Other useful communications analysis indicates that communicating face to face is the most effective method (as opposed to email, or telephone), so while teleconferencing may be tempting, it should be avoided if possible. If necessary, such meetings should be kept brief and between as few people as possible. Encouraging baord members to genuinely engage with each other, and bring energy to their interactions are the best ways to encourage good communication. Additionally, seeking a  boardroom atmosphere that has members speaking to one another in equal amounts, rather than speaking only to the executive, or allowing meeting to become dominated by extroverted (or longwinded!) members can help generate more ideas and boost effectiveness of meeting time.

Being aware of group dynamics and how board management can elevate meetings to the next level is an important step for organisations. A well-functioning board is an essential part of an effective organisation as a whole.