Ep. 4: Action Items Aren’t Just Suggestions
This isn’t a wish list. It’s a to-do list with glitter and deadlines.
Giddy up, board buddies! It’s BoardSpace Bill back with another magical tip to help your board meetings shine brighter than a unicorn in a snowstorm.
Today’s topic? The most underestimated hero of the boardroom:
The Action Item.
These little gems hold your board accountable, keep things moving, and make sure decisions actually become reality. But only if you treat them with the respect they deserve—like you would a donut at a morning meeting.
Why Action Items Matter
Let’s say your board decides to:
- Apply for a grant
- Update the bylaws
- Get new estimates for snow removal
All great! But if those decisions aren’t assigned, tracked, and followed up, they’ll disappear faster than last year’s AGM minutes. (Which, by the way, should also be tracked—but I digress.)
Action items are your board’s follow-through muscle. Without them, your board’s just talking in circles while pretending it’s progress.
Bill’s Magical Rules for Action Item Greatness:
- Be Crystal Clear
“Someone will look into it” is not an action item. That’s a vague hope.
Instead, write:
“Jaspreet will contact the auditor by April 15 and report back at the next meeting.”
Who’s doing it
What they’re doing
When it’s due
Clear = accountability.
- Assign Names, Not Committees
Don’t say, “The Finance Committee will handle it.” That’s how action items vanish into group fog. One name = one accountable unicorn.
- Track It Somewhere Visible
BoardSpace is perfect for this. Action items get linked to minutes, follow you into the next meeting, and sparkle right on your dashboard.
No more forgotten tasks or “I thought you were doing it.”
- Review Progress Regularly
Start each meeting with a quick review of last month’s action items. It shows momentum and gently nudges the forgetful.
I call this the “friendly unicorn follow-up.” Add sparkles, not shame.
- Close the Loop
When it’s done, mark it done! Give the person kudos. Celebrate. Maybe even… a small dance?
Action Item Red Flags:
“I didn’t know I was supposed to do that.”
“Wasn’t that due last month?”
“Oh, I emailed someone, but I don’t remember who.”
If you’re hearing those, your board’s treating action items like vague ideas—not real tasks. Time to step up the structure!
Final Thought from Bill:
An action item is a promise in disguise. Keep your promises. The world needs more reliable sparkle.
And remember, BoardSpace helps you track action items without chasing email threads or relying on post-it notes that fell behind the printer.
Next time on Bill’s Tips for Better Board Meetings:
Episode Four: One Meeting, One Magic Wand – Stay on Track
Spoiler: Trying to fix everything at once is like juggling snowballs in July.
Until then, go forth, assign clearly, follow up kindly, and let no action item be forgotten!
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