Online board meetings are a convenient method of accommodating the hectic agendas of board members from non-profit organizations. They allow attendees to avoid stress caused by traffic, manage deadlines for meetings, and cut down on travel expenses. With a few simple guidelines, an online board meeting can be as effective as an in-person one.
In order to increase participation it is important to employ tools that make the meeting more interactive and lively. For example, using video to interact with attendees can increase engagement as it enables attendees to observe others’ body language and make use of non-verbal communication. Instant messengers can also be utilized to keep the conversation flowing. Finally, requiring all attendees to announce their presence at the beginning of each meeting can ensure they are heard and seen during the meeting.
The agenda should be carefully planned to ensure that it is clear what issues are to be discussed and the way in which they will be dealt with. According to Nonprofit Learning Laboratories the agenda should contain 20% less items to allow more time for conversation and discussion.
A virtual format also offers new opportunities to participants who would otherwise be excluded due to time or cost limitations. This allows the board to include new ideas and perspectives that could lead to more informed decisions. The meeting is also able to reach a wider audience by eliminating physical barriers. Boards with dashboards can help attendees prepare for meetings and offer additional information to be discussed.
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