How to Energize Productive Online Board Meetings

Online board meetings demand a different level engagement than their counterparts offline and it can be difficult to find ways to bring people together in these meetings. Start by ensuring that your virtual boardroom is equipped with reliable video conference, clear communication protocols and sufficient meeting resources. It is then possible to establish protocols that guide participants through https://boardmanagementsoftware.info/ online meetings and promote productive discussions.

Be sure that each agenda item is accompanied by a conversational goal, such as “decide on an action plan” or “spark ideas.” This will allow you to move on from the current discussion as soon as you have achieved the desired outcome and avoid overstaying your welcome. Additionally, setting an appropriate time limit for each discussion topic will help prevent the meeting from dragging on.

Start with the most critical items on your agenda. During board meetings in person, it is possible to recognize body language signals that indicate the members have something important to say. These cues are difficult to discern when meetings are held remotely. Starting with the most pressing topics will ensure that everyone participates in the discussion and feel that their time was well-used.

Use the consent agenda to save time for more controversial discussions that may not have as much of an impact on the organisation. Noncontroversial agenda items can be put to vote by all members before the meeting starts so that you can focus on what matters most. Think about inviting experts to give short presentations or insights which will broaden the views of the board and avoid groupthink.