How to Make an Online Board Meeting As Effective As a Face to Face One
Online board meeting are a great solution for the non-profit board members› hectic schedules. Participants can avoid traffic and make deadlines more manageable, as well as reduce travel expenses. With a few simple rules, an online board meeting can be as effective one held face-to-face.
To boost engagement, it’s important to use tools that make the meeting more energetic and interactive. Video chats with attendees can increase engagement because it allows attendees to be able to read body language and comprehend non-verbal communication. Instant messengers can also be used to keep the conversation moving. Finally, requiring all attendees to announce their presence can ensure that they are noticed and heard in the meeting.
The agenda should be carefully planned so that it is clear what issues are to be discussed and the way in which they will be addressed. According to the Nonprofit Learning Labs it is recommended that agendas have 20% fewer items to allow for more time for discussion and conversation.
A virtual format also provides new opportunities to participants who would otherwise be excluded because of time or cost constraints. This allows the www.justboardroom.com/basics-of-board-minutes/ board to include new perspectives and ideas which can lead to more informed decisions. The meeting also has the potential to reach a wider audience through eliminating physical barriers. Dashboards for boards can help attendees prepare for meetings and provide information to discuss.