How to Write Well-Prepared Board Decision Papers

Boards can make use of decision papers to gather the necessary information to interpret, formulate and make decisions that will shape the future of a business. If they are not properly prepared, they could be overwhelming in both information and length. This could cause poor decision-making.

Keep your board documents concise and succinct. Directors typically have a short time to read through your papers and they might not have the same knowledge as you do. Therefore, it is important to eliminate unnecessary operational details. Rather, you should rely on clear arguments instead of long explanations, and use only facts rather than opinions.

A virtual board meeting software well-structured decision paper starts with the background of the issue that requires the decision, and then guides directors through your argument, covering links to strategy, risks and financial information. This resembles a traditional storytelling structure, and assists directors in following your thinking process.

You should also include a brief description of any current issues that may relate to the proposal. This is a crucial element of a decision paper and will provide directors with confidence that the information they are reviewing is accurate, complete and up-to-date. It’s also a good idea to engage in informal discussions with a few of the board members who will be examining the paper BEFORE they meet to ensure that all points and information are considered. This will help you identify the issues that must be addressed and, if required, discuss possible outcomes or options with the board.