Board Check-ins | Informal Touchpoints are Key
In today’s fast-paced business environment, many boards are increasingly turning to informal check-ins as a cornerstone of effective governance. These unstructured touchpoints can be instrumental in driving board alignment, deepening trust, and fostering a culture of open communication that helps boards function at their highest potential. Here’s why informal board check-ins are crucial and how they contribute to building a truly exceptional board.
Why Informal Board Check-ins Matter
Traditionally, board meetings are structured, agenda-driven, and focused on key strategic and operational issues. However, these formal sessions can sometimes create barriers to open dialogue, making it challenging for directors to fully engage or voice concerns that might not fit neatly within the meeting’s agenda. Informal check-ins, on the other hand, allow board members to connect, share insights, and raise questions in a more relaxed setting. These interactions can create a space where board members feel comfortable discussing issues that might not make it onto a formal agenda but are nonetheless critical to the organization’s health.
Building Trust and Alignment
Informal check-ins can help board members get to know each other on a personal level, building trust and rapport that strengthens group dynamics in formal meetings. When directors feel a personal connection to their peers, they’re more likely to engage openly, support each other, and work towards a common vision for the company. Over time, these touchpoints contribute to a more cohesive, aligned board, where each member feels a shared responsibility for the organization’s success.
Enhancing Communication and Problem-Solving
In addition to fostering stronger relationships, informal check-ins can be a powerful tool for proactive problem-solving. These interactions allow board members to share insights on industry trends, discuss emerging challenges, and brainstorm solutions outside of the constraints of a formal agenda. By engaging in these open-ended conversations, directors can identify and address potential issues before they become major obstacles. This fluid communication strengthens the board’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to the fast-evolving business landscape.
How to Make Informal Check-ins Work
While informal check-ins are inherently unstructured, there are a few guidelines that can help maximize their value:
• Keep it Casual: The goal of informal check-ins is to create a low-pressure environment. Whether it’s a quick coffee chat, a virtual happy hour, or a brief check-in before or after a formal meeting, these interactions should feel relaxed and spontaneous.
• Set a Regular Rhythm: Consistency is key to building trust. Consider scheduling periodic informal sessions throughout the year, ensuring board members have regular opportunities to connect.
• Encourage Open Dialogue: Board chairs and lead directors should model open communication by actively listening, asking questions, and encouraging directors to speak candidly. By fostering a safe space for dialogue, leaders can set the tone for a transparent and inclusive board culture.
The Bottom Line
At Wells Onyx, we believe that great boards are built not just through formal governance but through the strength of relationships and open communication. Informal check-ins are a small investment that can have an outsized impact on board performance, helping directors stay aligned, engaged, and prepared to tackle the complex challenges ahead. In an era where agility and cohesion are paramount, these informal touchpoints may just be the key to building a resilient, forward-thinking board that can guide your organization to new heights.
