Board decision papers provide directors with the data and information they need to understand, form and make decisions that will determine the fate of an organization. They can also be the source of disputes and legal action if they are inadequately written or contain incorrect or inadequate information. It is difficult to overstate the importance of high-quality decision documents.
But what are the essentials to writing effective boards https://boardroomofficial.com/preparing-your-nonprofit-board-for-a-fundraising-campaign/ papers? It is important to control the flow of information. This includes managing the volume of information given to a board, as well as the manner in which it is presented. Board documents must be thorough, yet concise, and clearly communicate a call to the board to take action.
The biggest challenge for writers is to avoid the temptation to add excessive details in a paper. This could take up valuable board-time and distract from the overall message of the paper. Another challenge is to write the paper in a manner that is easily understood by everyone on a board. This includes those who have little or no experience with the topic covered by the paper. A formal process for writing board papers, with clear guidelines and an effective system for evaluating the papers before they are handed out, can be very useful.
It is important that all board members can access the information in the board’s documents. This is especially important when the board includes members with diverse backgrounds, like those who work in finance or marketing. Providing a glossary of terms and acronyms is also useful. Commentary and feedback from peers on the board documents is also beneficial as it allows fresh eyes to look over the paper and spot any confusion.