Online board meetings are an excellent method of keeping board members involved, and make decisions without having to travel. A few common challenges may impact the effectiveness of your board meetings and reduce productivity.
Disconnections. Remote participants may have difficulty connecting to a virtual conference, unlike attendees in person. While this might not be an issue, it could create a feeling of disconnect and lower engagement levels. Make sure you provide a high-quality video conferencing solution that is easy to use and offers high-quality sound.
Inadequate documentation. Minutes must be accurate and clear. The minutes-taker should record all key discussions and decisions in writing to avoid confusion later on. You should also consider investing in a system for document management that lets you securely share and manage documents and meeting materials.
Engagement of board members is low. It can be difficult to replicate the camaraderie that occurs in person. Try adding icebreakers, breakout sessions, or even a quiz to your meeting.
Time limitations. One of the major drawbacks for a meeting that is online is the limited amount of time to discuss every item on the agenda. Make sure you set the appropriate time for each discussion and adhere to it. Also, make sure not to overload your directors with tedious topics that will be difficult to talk about.
