Effective Virtual Board Meetings

Board meetings in person provide more opportunities for conversation and non-verbal cues that aren’t possible to replicate in a virtual space. With a little planning and effort nonprofits can continue to maintain the same meeting atmosphere even after moving to a digital format.

Utilizing the best practices of the past allows virtual board meetings to be just as effective as meetings in person. To ensure that your meetings are productive and engaging be sure to consider the following guidelines:

Comprehensive Preparation

Virtual meetings require a more thorough preparation than in-person sessions. A detailed agenda, including clearly defined discussion topics and time limits for each topic should be shared ahead of the meeting to ensure directors can look up any information they need and prepare questions or suggestions before the meeting begins.

Share Meeting Materials Early

If you’re able to check your Facebook or email accounts and lose track of the meeting. It is important to distribute all important meeting materials, information and documents at least one week before the session. Doing so will help prevent participants from wasting time in meetings and allow for more time to participate in discussions and participate in decision-making.

Use a virtual board Virtual Data Room Features management software platform, such as OnBoard to give your board members access to all the required resources and materials prior to the date of the meeting. This way you can avoid common distractions of technical issues and connectivity problems which can cause delays or derail meetings. To avoid these issues, have your board management software company test all links and equipment for each participant ahead of the meeting.