How to Conduct Effective Virtual Board Meetings
An effective virtual board meeting is dependent on efficient technology, strong communications protocols, and adherence to the rules of conduct for calls. There is nothing that can disrupt the flow a meeting like tech issues, and it can be very difficult to maintain the energy level in the room when people aren’t able to hear each other clearly or open attachments to read the minutes that have been written down.
To prevent the meeting from becoming a tangle of discussions that are not on the agenda, you could consider adding a brief agenda item-specific time limit to each item on the agenda (BoardEffect). This will allow the chair to manage the meeting and ensure that all subjects are covered. Additionally, noncontroversial items can be voted on as a part of a consent agenda in order to keep time for discussion during the meeting and reduce interruptions.
It can be difficult for board members to connect with one another in a virtual space and some might not feel comfortable speaking up. However, the board chair can encourage participation by asking for volunteers to guide each agenda item by using a hand-raising method during the discussion. It is also helpful to provide background information on each item on the agenda prior to the meeting so that directors can http://seboardroom.com/how-to-structure-nonprofit-board-positions/ concentrate their attention on the meeting.
Board members can work together between meetings by using a secure online document management system that helps to ensure productivity and accountability. It is vital to use a system that offers granular controls so that each director can review and edit documents and keep track of any changes made by other directors. It is also important to create a calendar reminder to remind board members of the upcoming meeting. This will improve their participation and encourage them to organize.
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