Virtual board meetings are a great alternative to physical meetings. Due to time constraints and travel costs or health concerns, a virtual setting his response can bring about better decision-making and more efficient communication with your board members. Virtual meetings, as with any other board meeting, are not without obstacles. To avoid falling behind and losing control of your online board meeting, here are a few important tips to consider.
A clear set of rules for the discussion will ensure that your virtual board meetings are conducted with an effective flow. This means determining the best method to garner the group’s interest (i.e. do all members stand up to speak or do you employ an organized method for taking the floor). It is also important to have a clear protocol for the discussion to ensure that everyone can contribute equally.
A clear set of guidelines can ensure that there are no miscommunications in the virtual meeting. This can be achieved by clearly defining the manner and when the chair will recognize participants for their contributions, as well as what is to be discussed at each point of the agenda. It is important that all board members see each other in order to discuss issues and concerns in a clear manner.
A clear set of guidelines will also ensure that board members are able to follow up on the tasks assigned to them during the board meeting. This can be accomplished by providing a clear method of task management that will allow board members to update their assignments and locate relevant information easily on the platform.