As the world becomes more aware of the benefits of collaboration via virtual channels The number of board meetings held online is growing. This is an excellent way to engage your members and eliminate the geographical limitations that would otherwise force them to travel for meetings. However, there remain some hurdles to overcome in the transition to this new model. With a well-planned and effective facilitation, boards can foster robust participation in remote board meetings.
It is crucial that in addition to deciding the agenda for the meeting, all participants have the technology they require to participate. It is a good idea for participants to be given a test link with login details in advance. They should also be asked to turn off their microphones when they are not speaking. This will reduce background noise, and permit them to hear the person who is speaking. It is also a good idea to establish a protocol for conversations (i.e. the hand-raise method for getting the attention of the group) and to restrict multitasking, as this can lead to confusion during the meeting.
One of the most challenging aspects of virtual board meetings is fostering the feeling of security that is usually present in in-person meetings. Icebreakers are a great way to foster connection. Ferrazzi Greenlight for instance has created a variety of exercises that can be performed during a video conference like the „sweet and sour” check-in, where participants share one thing for which they are grateful and one issue they my blog have to overcome personally or professionally. This facilitates a more open and vulnerable discussion that could aid in building relationships between board members.