Is Your Post-Meeting Assessment Too Superficial?
Board meetings are key moments for decision-making and strategic alignment. Like any critical activity, they benefit from structured reflection to reinforce what went well and identify areas for growth.
Informally a reflection may happen as directors consider the meeting while heading home. The CEO or Executive Director may discuss the board meeting with management at the next team meeting. The Corporate Secretary may have notes from the meeting highlighting potential improvements.
While informal reflections often occur, a structured post-meeting assessment ensures insights are documented, shared, and implemented, supporting continuous improvement and accountability.
How to Conduct a Post Board Meeting Assessment
Assessments are best performed as a self-reflection exercise although some questions may benefit from seeking insight from others who attended the meeting.
The location and timing of the assessment is important. Select a quiet space free from interruptions. Complete the assessment promptly, while details are fresh and insights can be actioned. Time can change your memory of the situation and diminish your perception of their importance.
The questions should aim to dig deeper than merely asking “What could we change or improve for future meetings?”.
Here are some tailored questions to consider after your next board meeting.
Questions For Directors
1. Was the information provided in presentations concise, clear and insightful? Were there gaps?
2. Did the meeting include the right ratio of strategic issues vs. operational update?
3. Am I articulating my views clearly and concisely?
4. Did I feel comfortable sharing my opinions, even if they differed from others?
5. Did I notice any dynamics in the meeting that are cause for concern?
6. What guidance can I provide to the Chair or Corporate Secretary to improve the meeting?
7. Is there anything I would change in my preparation for the next meeting?
Questions For Board and Committee Chairs
1. Did I facilitate discussions effectively to stay on topic and to ensure all voices were heard?
2. Did any board members dominate the conversation or, conversely, refrain from contributing, and what could be done to encourage balanced participation in future meetings?
3. Did the interactions between board members demonstrate respect and openness, allowing for diverse viewpoints to be both expressed and considered?
4. Were there any notable instances where the board's discussions with management were overly critical or overly supportive, and how did this affect the quality of dialogue and decision-making?
5. Could there be side conversations, hidden agendas or bias influencing some of the material, discussions or decisions?
6. Are there any areas where I should provide management with more guidance or clarity on the board’s expectations?
7. Did I identify any emerging topics that warrant future agenda time?
Questions For the CEO / Executive Director
1. Did I have sufficient time to address critical issues with the board?
2. Was I holding back any important information that should have been shared with the board and, if so, what might be the reasons for that?
3. How clear and effective were the insights and recommendations presented to the board?
4. Was there adequate board engagement on matters requiring guidance or approval?
5. Did the feedback provided by directors offer value for important issues and strategic planning?
6. Are there any areas where I should seek guidance from, or share concerns with, the Chair?
7. Do I need to provide management with more support to improve their performance in the boardroom?
Questions For the Corporate Secretary
1. Did the meeting run smoothly from a logistical perspective?
2. Did I understand all the action items and feedback from the meeting?
3. Could presenters benefit from more guidance to help them prepare for the meeting and understand the board’s expectations?
4. Was my response to questions clear and informative?
5. Is there anything that could be done to better support the Chair?
6. What improvements could be implemented in materials or scheduling?
7. Were there any questions posed in the meeting that suggest an area of improvement?
Questions For Presenters
1. Did I feel adequately prepared for my presentation?
2. Was the material provided in advance helpful to facilitate understanding?
3. Were there any areas where additional context or clarity would have been helpful?
4. Did the board ask questions that indicated engagement and understanding?
5. Was my response to questions clear and informative?
6. How well did my presentation align with the board’s expectations or focus areas?
7. Did the directors’ feedback provide useful insights for future presentations?
Incorporating these questions after every board meeting can cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, trust, and strategic clarity within the boardroom. Make assessments a routine practice to enhance governance effectiveness.