Board decision papers give directors the information and information they require to understand, form and make decisions that will determine the fate of an organization. They could also be the source of controversies and legal action if they are not written properly or contain incorrect or inadequate information. It is hard to overstate the importance of high-quality decision documents.
But what are the keys to writing effective boards papers? The flow of information is vital. This means managing the amount of information given to boards, as well as the manner in which it is presented. Board papers must be comprehensive yet concise, and clearly convey a call to the board to take action.
The most important challenge for writers is to resist the temptation to provide too many details in the board paper, since this could potentially take up valuable time on the board and divert attention from what the document should be saying. Another challenge www.boardroomofficial.com/what-do-you-think-about-virtual-board-meeting-software/ is to write the paper in a way that is easily understood by everyone on the board. This is especially true for those who have little or no knowledge of the subject matter covered by the paper. This is where the formal process of writing a board paper with clear guidelines, and a system to check the papers prior to when they are distributed could prove extremely beneficial.
Using a formal business writing style and the use of plain English is vital to ensure that the information included in the board’s documents is accessible to all members of the board. This is especially important if the board includes members with diverse backgrounds, for instance, those who work in finance or marketing. A glossary of terms and acronyms is helpful. It is also beneficial to get peer feedback and comments on the board papers. This helps new eyes to see and identify any ambiguity.