The Benefits of Informal Meetings for Board Members: Why Loosening Up Can Lead to Improved Performance and Better Decision-Making
As a board member, it’s crucial to stay focused on your organization’s goals while working together with your colleagues. While formal meetings are necessary for strategic planning and decision-making, informal meetings can provide multiple benefits that can lead to improved performance and better decision-making. In this article, we will explore the benefits of informal meetings and why they are essential for board members.
Breaking Down Barriers
One of the most significant benefits of informal meetings is that they offer a relaxed environment that can help break down barriers between board members. Board members often come from different backgrounds, and building trust and establishing a rapport with each other can be challenging in a formal setting. However, informal settings can provide a relaxed atmosphere, which can make it easier for board members to connect with each other and establish relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Better Communication
Another significant advantage of informal meetings is that they can help improve communication among board members. In a formal meeting setting, members might be hesitant to speak up, disagree, or express their opinions as they might be perceived as threats to other members. In contrast, informal meetings can provide a safe space where board members can share their thoughts and opinions without fear of retribution, leading to open communication and a greater sense of collaboration.
Increased Creativity and Innovation
Informal meetings also provide an opportunity for board members to think creatively and encourage innovative ideas. In a formal meeting setting, board members are often focused on the agenda items at hand, leaving little time to brainstorm or think outside the box. But in an informal setting, board members can relax and engage in brainstorming sessions, resulting in more creative solutions and innovative ideas.
Improved Decision-Making
Finally, informal meetings can lead to better decision-making on the part of board members. When board members have established trust, developed strong communication, feel heard, and allowed to be creative, they will make better-informed decisions. Decision-making processes are smoother when members know and work with each other well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, informal meetings are an essential part of a board member’s responsibility. By creating a relaxed environment, informal meetings can break down barriers between board members, improve communication, encourage creativity and innovative ideas, and ultimately lead to better decision-making. As a board member, it’s essential to participate in both formal and informal meetings to achieve a successful outcome for an organization.
