How to Conduct Effective Virtual Board Meetings
Virtual board meetings can be a great tool for nonprofits to maximize the effectiveness, efficiency and participation of board members who aren’t able to attend in person. Just like running an effective in-person session, running a virtual meeting requires planning and training. This article will offer tips and tricks to help non-profit organizations run their virtual meetings as smoothly as they can.
The best way to ensure effective virtual meetings is to start with a well-defined and dynamic agenda that keeps the subjects focused and on topic. It is also recommended to establish time limits on each item on the agenda, as this will help keep discussions short and on track.
Another suggestion is to use video conferencing software to hold virtual meetings as often as is feasible. Researchers have found that online conversations are more enjoyable when participants can see one other. This can result in stronger connections. In addition, it can make participants more aware of critical nonverbal cues that communicate anger, boredom or disapproval.
It’s crucial to establish clear guidelines regarding camera use and mute when conducting virtual meetings. For example, it’s polite to mute the microphone if another person is speaking so that background noise is minimized. It’s also beneficial to remind the participants to raise their hands if they have remarks or questions, and wait until they are asked.
It is also essential to have a back-up plan in case of technical problems that may occur during a meeting. This could involve appointing a person to address any issues that might arise, and having an outline of the procedure for attendees when they have to leave the meeting.