Executive sessions are utilized by boards to address sensitive issues that require greater confidentiality and independence. These discussions give participants the freedom to speak freely and candidly without being influenced by public opinions. The article discusses the importance of executive sessions and how they differ from board meetings. It also provides the best practices for making them successful.
The chairperson of the meeting opens the session by welcoming all participants. This is followed by an overview of the purpose and scope of the discussion by the CEO or any other board member in charge of the agenda. This allows the board to be aware of the context for the subjects to be discussed and prevents confusion or misunderstandings.
Typically executive sessions are restricted to board members and may be scheduled prior to, in the middle or following the scheduled board meeting. However, Board Source (formerly the National Center for Nonprofit Boards) mentions that other stakeholders, including the chief executive and select senior staff or professional advisors can be invited to join an entire or a portion of an executive session when they are required give findings or provide professional guidelines.
As with any board meeting, it’s crucial to remember that executive meetings should be focused on issues that will benefit the organization. Concentrating on the agenda of the board will ensure that attendees remain engaged and prevent the session from becoming overly heated or a forum for spreading gossip.
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