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The past few years I've sat in a number of board rooms and watched some founders thrive and others struggle
Sharing some tips, particularly for first-time founders, on how to best run board meetings
Oh - and it's a THREAD
Sharing some tips, particularly for first-time founders, on how to best run board meetings
Oh - and it's a THREAD
1/ Focus on a few strategic topics - leave general updates to a pre-read, board members can ask questions on those if they have them
2/ Use your board observers - most are dying to be helpful so whether it's taking notes or helping with one-off requests, ask them!
3/ Call on quiet board members - you wanted them in the room for a reason
4/ Ask for example board decks - avoid the "where is slide x" question
5/ Build relationships 1-on-1 with board members - get to know their strengths and what they can help with
6/ Avoid jump ball for board requests - figure out who is best for what
7/ Bring on an independent board member early and don't make it one of your friends - bring someone who will push your thinking and bring a new (hopefully diverse) perspective
8/ Bring functional leaders to board meetings - especially when the spotlight is on them (i.e. VP Product to present a major release)
also, include new execs when they join so they can get introduced to the board
also, include new execs when they join so they can get introduced to the board
9/ The CEO should be able to answer questions on the numbers - even if the CFO is leading the financials section
also, preview metrics to track in advance and the format the board wants to see them in
also, preview metrics to track in advance and the format the board wants to see them in
10/ Don't let someone dominate the conversation - be confident in taking back control of the time
