Board decision papers provide directors with the data and information they require to analyze, shape, and make decisions which will influence an organisation’s destiny. They can also cause controversy and legal action if they are poorly written, or contain incorrect or inadequate data. The importance of top quality decision papers cannot be overstated.

What are the keys to writing a professional board paper? It is crucial to control the flow of information. This includes managing the volume of information presented to a board and its presentation. Board documents must be thorough but also concise and clearly communicate a clear call to take action.

The most important challenge for writers is to stay clear of the temptation to include too much detail in a paper for boards, as this could waste the time of the board and distract from what the paper actually has to say. Another issue is writing the paper in a way that is easily comprehended by everyone on a board. This includes those with little or no experience with the subject of the paper. This is why a formal board paper process with clear guidelines, and a system for checking the papers before they are distributed view can be very beneficial.

Utilizing a formal business writing style and the use of simple English is vital to ensure that the information contained in the board documents is easily accessible to everyone on the board. This is particularly important if the board has members with diverse backgrounds, like people in finance and marketing. A glossary of terms and acronyms can be useful. Commentary and feedback from peers on the board documents is also very helpful as it helps fresh eyes review the document and to spot any confusion.