Hybrid Board Meetings
Despite board members‘ desires to return to meetings in person, the epidemic has forced us to continue meeting online. This hybrid model isn’t going away and it is essential that boards find ways to conduct effective meetings that include in-person attendees and also those who join remote meetings.
To ensure that meetings are productive, it is essential that the chairman of the board is able to adhere to the agenda. He or she must also give clear directions. Digital tools can help accelerate the process of meeting by permitting attendees to work through the agenda more quickly. It is also essential that attendees who are in person and remote receive the same materials in advance. This includes presentations and documents used during the meeting as well as notes and information that are distributed in advance.
Prioritizing engagement will ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to hybrid meetings. It’s crucial to ensure that the virtual platform functions well and that all links have been downloaded and clicked prior to the meeting begins. A staff member who is able to join the meeting and monitor these functions will allow you to detect and resolve any issues in advance.
In the same way it is beneficial to turn off the microphone when you’re not talking will reduce background noises and echos. This allows everyone to focus on the subject that is in front of them. Before beginning the meeting, it’s a good idea for you to close any other tabs and pause any music or videos. A board management program that includes accessibility features will ensure that your meeting is more inclusive for those with hearing, speech or vision impairments.
