Online board meetings can be an ideal option for nonprofit boards who are unable or unwilling to meet in person due geographical constraints, travel expenses or a busy schedule. However they can be difficult to conduct in a way that is efficient and makes sure everyone feels engaged and included. Fortunately, implementing a few best practices can make these virtual meetings more efficient and efficient.
Make sure to communicate meeting materials clearly to board members prior to the meeting so that they can read and ask questions prior to the conference call. This helps the meeting be more efficient, stay focused and generate better insights. Mentimeter is an effective presentation tool that allows you to collect important insights from your participants via dynamic images. The material will be later included in the minutes of the meeting, thereby providing an irrefutable record that can be referenced years later.
Encourage attendees to use the camera features of their devices, so they can see each other. This can http://www.boardmgmt.net/maintaining-control-over-a-company-after-losing-majority-shareholder-support/ help keep everyone involved. Set ground rules to ensure everyone is treated equally. For example the chair can request an raised hand to signal the time someone is speaking. Or they can ask participants to use their mute when they are not speaking. It’s also a good idea to limit meetings to 90 minutes and avoid scheduling them around meal times to ensure that participants aren’t eating in front of cameras.
Set up specific discussion topics and time allotments for each item, which will give directors the feeling of urgency to tackle items on the agenda, and improve productivity. By focusing on specific topics, you will also reduce distractions during meetings, like chatting with other directors and checking emails.