A well-written report on the board can aid a committee on the board in communicating effectively with the entire board. To create effective reports, it’s important to carefully consider how to format and present the report to ensure that board members have all the information they require to make informed decisions for the company.
Writing a report for a board can be a struggle for certain. But when you take the proper approach, it is possible to create informative and engaging reports from committees that assist in making informed decisions and ensure effective oversight. The following are the essential aspects to keep in mind when writing a report for the board.
1. Barbara Anderson, a non-executive board chairperson and member of four boards, insists that you clearly state the purpose of your document. This is essential to the success of a board paper in that it tells your readers who are reading it whether you’re writing to ask for their input, inform them of check it out your intentions or request a decision.
2. Avoid using too much jargon or technical language, and make sure you are aware of the context of what you are sharing. Board members have a lot on their plates and will likely be reading your report prior to the meeting in order to formulate their own questions, so they have to be able be able to absorb the information quickly and easily.
3. Analyze and interpret the data you present. Data by itself does not tell a complete story; it must be presented with analysis and interpretation to give an understanding to the numbers. This will aid your board members in understanding the advantages and threats facing your company.