Board decision papers provide the details and data that enable directors to understand, shape and make decisions that mould the future of their organization. They can also cause controversy and legal action when they are written poorly, or contain incorrect or inadequate information. It is impossible to overstate the importance of high-quality decision papers.
What are the most important aspects to writing a professional board paper? Controlling the flow of information is crucial. This means managing the amount of information that is provided to a board and the manner the information is presented. Board documents must be thorough but also concise and clearly communicate a clear call to actions.
The task for writers is to avoid the temptation to include excessive detail in a paper. This can take away valuable time for the board and distract from the message of the paper. Another issue is writing the paper in a manner that is easily understood by everyone on the board. This includes those with little or no knowledge of the subject of the paper. This is where a formal board paper process with clear guidelines, as well as a system for checking the papers before they are distributed could prove very beneficial.
It is essential that all boardroomofficial.com board members access the information in the board documents. This is particularly important if the board has members with diverse backgrounds, such as those from finance and marketing. A glossary of terms and acronyms can be useful. It is also beneficial to receive feedback from peers as well as comments on the paper. This helps new eyes to see and identify any ambiguity.