To ensure that your board meeting goes smoothly, it's essential to prepare. A well-run meeting will result in a clear decision and efficient use of everyone's precious time.

The agenda is the first step. The agenda should clearly state the key items to be discussed and the important decisions to be made. The materials for the meeting must be distributed at least a week in advance of the meeting so that the participants and Board Members have time to prepare.

It is a good idea to call all the people participating in the meeting prior to the meeting to discuss any issues or to clarify any information that may be missing. This allows the Board Member to discuss their concerns with the CEO or management, and request any additional information they need to be prepared for the meeting. This will help reduce the amount of questions asked during the meeting and make it more productive and efficient.

It is also recommended to conduct some research or investigate any issues that may arise during the meeting. You can do this by requesting more information from the relevant people or contacting external sources. You'll be more knowledgeable and able ask thoughtful and insightful questions that add value to your meeting.