We asked 70 senior leaders to share their tips on enabling boards to make effective decisions. Here are some of them.

• Use all available knowledge and experience to make decision- is there another organization using this particular method/equipment/ policy. Can the board learn from others’ experiences?
• Don’t respond to operational pressure to make a decision- the board is responsible for doing what is best for the organisation overall.
• Take necessary time to make the decision – don’t rush into it
• Consider all decisions to be made in light of the organisations overall objectives – and be sure that any decision made contributes toward the over all achievement of the organisations objectives
• Where possible invite an executive with knowledge of the decision to be made to present the business case to the board
• Think strategically about financial implications of decision making
• Consider the implications of any decision and the impact it will have on the organization
• Be sure that any board member who may have a conflicting interest declares this and that the board then acts appropriately
• Collect together all the relevant information prior to the meeting of the board, so board members can read and prepare in advance
• Document the decision to be made and ensure a shared clear understanding of the issue.
• Be absolutely clear about the decision the board wishes to make.
• The board demand regular reviews of strategy to assess relevance of organizational objectives in a changing world; the board rigorously review their objectives to be sure they are ‘fit for purpose’

What would your top tip be? Share it with us in the comment box below.