Online board meeting is a great method to keep your board members engaged and make decisions without the hassle and expense of traveling. However, a few common challenges could hinder the effectiveness of your meetings and hinder the effectiveness of your board.
Disconnections. Contrary to a face-to-face meeting, remote participants can have issues connecting to the virtual conference. Although this isn’t an problem, it can cause a sense of disconnection and reduce engagement levels. Make sure that you have an audio-visual system that is user-friendly and has high-quality audio.
Inadequate documentation. One of the most crucial aspects of the board meeting is taking minutes, which must be precise and clear. The minutes-taker must record all discussions and decision-making in writing to avoid confusion later on. Also, consider investing in a document management system that allows for secure sharing and storage of meeting materials and records.
Low engagement of board members. The camaraderie, conversations and camaraderie that take place in-person between board members aren’t easy to replicate online. Try adding some icebreakers, breakout sessions, or even a game, to your meeting.
Time constraints. One of the biggest disadvantages for a meeting that is online is the limited amount of time that is available to discuss each item on the agenda. Set the time limit for each discussion. Be sure to not load your directors with boring subjects that are difficult to discuss.