In-person meetings permit more natural conversations and non-verbal signals, which aren’t possible in a digital environment. With a little effort and planning, nonprofits can still maintain an effective meeting environment when switching to digital formats.
Virtual board meetings can be equally productive as in-person sessions if you are using the best practices. To ensure that your meetings are productive and engaging, consider the following tips:
Comprehensive Preparation
Virtual meetings require a more thorough preparation than in-person sessions. Directors should be provided with a written agenda that clearly defines the topics of discussion and the time limit for each. This will allow them to study any information needed and prepare questions or suggestions prior to the meeting.
Share Meeting Materials Early
It’s easy to lose track of time in a virtual meeting if you’re able check your emails or social media. Make it a priority to distribute all essential meeting materials, information and documents at the very least one week prior to the session. Doing so will help keep participants from wasting precious meeting time and allow for more time to participate with discussions and participate in decision-making.
Utilize a virtual board management software platform such as OnBoard to give your board members access to all read here needed materials and resources prior to the meeting. In this way you can avoid common distractions of connectivity issues and technical issues that can derail or delay meetings. To avoid such issues make sure you ask your board management software provider to test all equipment and links for each participant before the meeting.