Board decision papers contain the data and information that empowers directors to make decisions, interpret, and take decisions that define an organisation’s future. They can also lead to controversy and legal action when they are written poorly or contain inaccurate or insufficient information. It is hard to overstate the importance of top-quality decision documents.
What are the key elements to writing effective boards papers? It is important to control the flow of information. This means managing the volume of information available to a board as well as its presentation. Board documents should be brief and comprehensive, while also conveying an unambiguous call-to-action.
A major challenge for writers is to stay clear of the temptation to provide too much detail on a board paper, as it could eat up valuable time on the board and divert attention from Board Meeting Software what the paper actually has to say. Another challenge is to write the paper in a way that is easily understood by everyone on the board. This includes those who have little or no experience with the subject matter covered by the paper. A formal board paper process with clear guidelines and a method for evaluating the papers prior to being distributed, can be extremely beneficial.
It is crucial that all board members be able to access the information provided in the board’s documents. This is especially the case when the board is comprised of people with different areas of expertise like marketing or finance. A glossary of terms and acronyms is beneficial. Getting peer feedback and commentary on the board papers is also beneficial as it helps fresh eyes review the document and to spot any confusion.