Hybrid board meetings have become the norm as board members return to face-to-face meetings. This new arrangement allows for the possibility of having meetings in person and remotely simultaneously decreasing costs and enhancing accessibility. Whether your organization opts for all-virtual meetings, meetings in person with remote participants or both, it’s vital to establish a set of meeting norms and expectations to ensure that everyone feels respected. To accomplish this, it’s essential to ensure that the technology is working properly and clear guidelines are laid out for participation.
Hybrid board meetings are not without their challenges. Some board members may be frustrated by the fact that they can’t be in the same room. Others may feel their contributions are less meaningful because they don’t have the ability to communicate with their colleagues. Experts in meeting design suggest that you concentrate on proactive measures that encourage collaboration. For instance, you can open virtual rooms to encourage social interaction prior to and during meetings, as well as during breaks. You can also use tools such the board portal to manage your board’s activities.
A frequent issue is differing levels of technical knowledge among board members. This means that some remote participants may be not included in the meeting or their participation could be hindered due to shaky audio, poor video, or a suboptimal internet connection. You can assist your board in navigating these challenges by educating them on how to utilize technology and ensuring that they have the right equipment in place prior to www.itsboardroom.com/selecting-and-developing-board-leadership-how-to-choose-the-right-leader/ the meeting.
