Online board meetings require the same level of participation as their counterparts in offline meetings, and it can prove difficult to figure out ways to get people involved in these meetings. Start by ensuring your virtual boardroom is equipped with reliable video conference, clear communication protocols, and adequate meeting resources. From there you can put in place efficient protocols that guide participants through the online meeting process and allow them to participate in productive discussion.
Make sure that each item on the agenda is accompanied by an objective for the discussion like “decide an action item” or to “spark new ideas.” This will let you move on from the current topic as quickly as you have achieved your desired outcome, and also avoid overstaying your welcome. Setting a time limit for each topic will also aid in keeping the meeting moving.
Start with the most important items on your agenda. In board meetings that are held in person, it’s possible to spot body language signals that indicate the members have something important to say. These cues are difficult to recognize during remote meetings. Begin with the most important topics to ensure that everyone is involved in the discussion and feels that their time was well-used.
Use an agenda that is a consensus to save time for more controversial discussion points that may not have as big of an impact on the organisation. All members can vote on items that are not controversial prior to the meeting gets underway, so you can concentrate on the most important issues. Consider inviting experts to give brief talks or provide insights that can broaden the board’s perspectives and stop groupthink.
