Online board meetings are becoming more frequent as organizations shift towards a digital environment. This new method of conducting business requires a bit more discipline than traditional meetings, but can be equally productive if managed well. It is crucial to establish clear expectations from the beginning and to ensure that all participants follow the rules.
During the meeting, you should keep discussions focused on the most important agenda items. Keep the agenda as short as possible, and break it into 15-minute chunks to avoid fatigue. This will allow you to swiftly move through the agenda. Making breaks directly in the agenda can also boost the energy of conversations and encourage participation.
Brainstorming sessions can be an excellent method of encouraging creativity in a meeting and they often produce some excellent ideas. It’s crucial that all team members are at ease speaking up during these types of discussions. Sometimes, it’s easy for quiet or shy team members to be ignored in these types of discussions therefore, you need to be able to hear them.
At the end of the meeting, ensure that everyone is reminded of any follow-up tasks such as taking a survey for the board or providing additional information, data, or materials requested during the meeting. They can be managed easily using a robust board management software that allows for smooth distribution of materials to all attendees.