In-person board meetings provide more opportunities for natural conversations and non-verbal cues which aren’t able to be replicated in a virtual space. But with a little planning and effort, nonprofits can still maintain effective meeting dynamics when switching to a virtual format.
Virtual board meetings can be as effective as in-person meetings by using the best practices. Follow these suggestions to ensure that your meetings are successful and entertaining:
Comprehensive Preparation
Virtual meetings require a more thorough preparation than in-person sessions. A detailed agenda, including clearly defined discussion topics and time limits for each topic, must be communicated prior to the meeting so directors can look up any information they need and prepare questions or suggestions before the meeting begins.
Share Meeting Materials Early
It’s easy for people to lose their focus during a virtual meeting when you’re able check your emails or social media. Make it a priority to distribute my blog all necessary meeting materials, information and documents at a minimum of one week prior to the meeting. This will to ensure that participants don’t waste valuable meeting time and will give them more time to engage in discussions and participate in decision-making.
Utilize a virtual board-management software platform such as OnBoard to provide your board members access to all needed materials and resources prior to the meeting. In this way you will be able to avoid the frequent distractions of technical issues and connectivity problems that can disrupt or delay meetings. To avoid issues like this, have your board management software company check all the connections and equipment for each participant prior to the start of the meeting.
