Online board meetings offer greater flexibility and convenience than meetings in person. They can cut down on time and cost by reducing the need for travel and eliminating scheduling conflicts. They permit a larger number of board members to be involved in a way that helps prevent blind spots and groupthink when making decisions. Virtual meetings can be difficult to run effectively. Board members could lose interest or do not have the necessary tools to be able to participate effectively. The most ways of increasing productivity and decreasing administrative burden common problems that can impact the quality of a meeting are poor audio and video, insecure Internet connections as well as distracting noises.
Discussions should be kept on track
It’s much easier to be distracted in a remote environment than during a face-toface meeting. They may be enticed to check their email or make an email from their children. The meeting could also get lost in a discussion or someone might forget to raise their hand to ask questions.
Having clear guidelines for participation is essential to preventing these issues. Board members can assist each and encourage cooperation during discussions, asking feedback frequently and creating opportunities for members to speak up. Set a clear agenda for the meeting and make sure that the appropriate technology is in place.
It is important to test your equipment, including video, before the meeting and to encourage your board members to do the same. This is especially important in the event that members are joining from other states or regions.