Online board meetings are an efficient method of conducting meetings without the need for physical presence. It allows for more participants and eliminates the need to travel which is time-consuming and costly. However, virtual meetings are not without their own challenges. To ensure that these meetings are as efficient and productive as is possible it is vital to adhere to certain etiquette guidelines.
1. Get more people involved by engaging in an online icebreaker both before and after the meeting. This will allow board members to meet one another. You can also ask the board members data management to introduce themselves through the chat box. It’s a great method for everyone to feel comfortable using technology and begin the meeting.
2. Provide training to the board members who are less tech-savvy. This will help reduce the barriers to adopting new technologies. Training will also help users navigate the board portal, as well as other tools, more efficiently. 3. Verify that all participants have registered and have a reliable internet connection and a good audio/video equipment prior to the call beginning. This will improve the quality of the call. 4. It is important to ensure that all attendees are using the mute feature when they are not speaking. This will reduce interruptions from other board members and will eliminate external distractions.
5. Note and draft meeting minutes. It is essential to ensure that the minutes are an effective resource for the attendees and include all pertinent details. Minute-takers should also strive for an appropriate balance between completeness and clarity. They should also refrain from having informal conversations or personal opinions in meeting minutes.