The board meeting that is remote plays a significant role in the decision-making process of a non-profit. It allows for a more detailed discussion of the strategic decisions the organization is planning to take in the short and longer term. Members are also able to address any concerns they may have. However it can be a challenge to conduct a successful remote board meeting that delivers results when you’re not in the same room with your colleagues.
It’s possible for participants to get distracted during virtual meetings, particularly when they’re looking at their laptop or tablet screens instead of speaking face-toface with other members of the board. It’s also more difficult to convey nonverbal messages in a digital setting, which can lead people to make mistakes or inconsistent decision-making.
There are some options you can make to reduce the risk of these issues, such as sending out reminder emails with both the details of the meeting and the agenda, and urging attendees to conduct a tech test prior to the meeting to ensure they’re able see clearly, and communicate clearly. You can also provide a step-by-step video to guide attendees through the meeting platform’s settings for hardware and software.
To avoid “zoom fatigue”, try to keep your meetings as brief as possible. This is particularly important if you are using the virtual board. This will keep your participants engaged and give them time to concentrate on the tasks they’re required to complete, rather than worrying how much remains to be completed before the next meeting.
