Some Guidelines (or Hints) for Operating as an International Board

• Technical issues - Be aware of what can make it easier for people to participate or what trade-offs Board members are being asked to make (time zone differences during conference calls, travel time to meetings, etc…)
• Language - Increase the potential for everyone to follow the discussion by minimizing the use of acronyms or expressions and speak slowly and clearly.
• Clarify – If you have any question as to whether you are making yourself understood, do not assume that someone understands what you are saying.
• Participation - Do not assume that silence is agreement. Try some different approaches to encouraging participation - going around the room and asking everyone for comments or asking people to verbally say “yes” or “no” when a decision is being discussed.
• International protocols and practices – Orienting new Board members to how the organization operates as an international organization may be useful.
• Avoiding parochialism – Although each Board member brings their own experience to the table they need to base their decisions on what is best for the entire organization.