Online board meetings provide more flexibility and convenience over in-person sessions. By cutting down on the costs of travel and scheduling conflicts, they can reduce time and money. They also allow for an increased number of board members to take part, warding off the effects of blind spots and groupthink in the process of making decisions. Virtual meetings can be difficult to run efficiently. Board members might lose interest or do not have the necessary tools to be able to participate effectively. The most common problems that can impact a meeting include faulty audio and video, unstable Internet connections and distracting noises.
Discussions should be kept moving
It is easier for people to be distracted in a remote setting than during a face-toface meeting. They may be enticed to go through their emails or take an email from their children. The meeting might also get bogged down in a debate or someone might not raise their hand to ask questions.
The presence of clear guidelines for participation is vital to avoiding these problems. Board members can aid each other by encouraging collaboration throughout the discussion and asking for feedback often and allowing members to interject. It’s also crucial to establish an agenda that is clear prior to the meeting and ensure that the right technology is available.
In the process of preparing for the meeting, you should test your video connection and other equipment and encourage your board members to do the same. This is particularly important when members are coming from other states or regions.
