A well-written report on the board will aid a board committee in communicating effectively with the entire board. Making effective reports requires careful analysis of how to structure the content and how best to present it to ensure board members have the information they need to make the right decisions on behalf of the company.
While writing a report for a board may be challenging for some, with the proper method, it is possible to write engaging and informative committee reports that assist in informed decision-making and efficient oversight. The following are some of the key elements to keep in mind when preparing a report for your board.
1. Barbara Anderson, a non-executive board member and chair of four boards advises you to clearly state the intent of your document. This is essential to the success of a report on a board, as it will tell your readers that you’re writing for their input, inform them of your intentions or seek their opinion.
2. Avoid using a lot of jargon or technical language, and be sure to understand the context of the information you share. Board members are busy and will read your report before the meeting to formulate their questions. They should be able to digest the information quickly.
3. Analyze and interpret the data you present. Data alone is not enough to tell a story. It must be accompanied by analysis and interpretation in order to give the numbers meaning. This will allow your board members to appreciate the positives as well as https://boardroomlife.com/introduction-to-virtual-board-meetings/ the challenges the company faces.
