Online board meetings are a convenient method for nonprofits as well as their staff members to conduct business. As with any meeting, a number of elements can affect the efficiency of an online board meeting. This article discusses how to make virtual board meetings more productive and the most common pitfalls to avoid.
The lack of engagement
Many nonprofit boards find that they struggle to keep members who are not in the office. This is especially true when you have M&A transaction efficiency through data solutions switched from face-toface meetings to remote sessions. Meetings can suffer from low participation when your board members aren’t used to video-based communication or if they’re struggling with the technology itself.
Committee reports are typically the least entertaining items on the agenda, and it can be difficult to get people to discuss them during a virtual meeting. To combat this, get your committee members to include a question or ask for feedback from the board in their reports.
Inadequate meeting minutes
Minute-takers in your board are responsible to record all discussions and decision from virtual meetings. They should be careful not to describe personal opinions or informal discussions and should aim for a balance between concision and thoroughness. It is crucial to record the minutes of your meetings in writing and have the ability to store all documents securely, including governing documents and financial reports. This will eliminate confusion and increase accountability between meetings.