Meranth Governance & Compliance News

Sept. 2014

BOARD ROOM ETIQUETTE

Board room etiquette is really just a matter of manners  Follow the agenda and focus on the items at
and common sense. hand;
 Listen to your fellow board members, do not
Boards are required to reach collective agreements, in interrupt, and be constructive with your
the everyday course of business. However, a Board is comments / criticisms;
typically comprised of individuals from various  Understand that conflicts are a necessary side-
industries with different personalities, opinions and effect of reaching consensus;
behaviours and therefore reaching collective  Discuss and understand the pros and cons of
agreements can be challenging. Nonetheless, it is proposed solutions. Failure to do so may result
always healthy for board members to disagree and in items reappearing time and time again; and
offer alternative solutions to problems. In order to  Attend the entire meeting unless it is
ensure that boards of diverse minds speak with one absolutely necessary to leave early.

voice, appropriate etiquette must be employed. Besides

board etiquette making a board more efficient, it may
also ensure that legal and ethical principles are
observed during and after a meeting.

Board protocol can vary significantly from one After The Meeting
company to another; however, the following practical
guidelines are general in nature and can be beneficial  Read the post meeting papers, contribute to
to board members. any applicable review meetings, understand
the action points and proceed accordingly;
Before A Meeting  Do not attempt to come to a consensus outside
 Clearly understand the purpose of the meeting of the boardroom;
and your role in it;  Recognise and respect the confidentiality and
 Review board papers and request any further sensitivity of matters discussed at the meeting;
information you consider necessary in advance and
of the meeting;  Remember that decisions are taken in meetings
 Prepare for the meeting by noting any collectively and that the responsibility is also
suggestions or questions you wish to raise; and collective.
 Arrive early (10 minutes before the set time).
Meranth Nugget: When you attend a board meeting, be
During The Meeting fully in attendance – in body, mind and spirit. That
means no checking of emails, texting or engaging in
 Ensure that any relevant conflicts of interest any other distracting activity, unless it is relevant to
are declared to the board or the relevant board business.
person;
 Direct any comments and discussions through
the Chairman; Meranth Limited
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