How to Run Effective Remote Board Meetings
In a distant environment, it is difficult to keep everyone involved. Board members who are accustomed to face-to-face meetings might find it hard to get their colleagues involved and engage in discussions. However, there are best practices that can aid in the running of effective virtual meetings.
Make sure that the technology used for meetings is easy to use and secure. A clear and energizing agenda can make meetings more productive. It is crucial to include board members in the process of setting up the agenda and to make it available in advance. This can be accomplished via a board portal that allows attendees to add points, read information, and participate in the meeting before.
If a discussion diverges from the topic, it’s crucial that the chair bring everyone back to the topic. It’s also helpful for the chair to summon those who haven’t spoken to ensure that discussions are balanced and not dominated by a few important voices. Utilizing transition slides along with the agenda for consent, action items and financial statements can be an effective tool to facilitate discussion.
Incorporating breaks into meetings will increase the engagement levels, particularly when they incorporate trust-building activities like small group discussions or partnering with board members for peer mentorship sessions. It is crucial to give feedback, whether that’s anonymous surveys or discussions at the end of meetings. These can assist board members as they adjust to the virtual format. Written minutes that document the meeting’s discussion and decisions are also important for the smooth operation of your remote board.