Online board meetings are a convenient and effective way for nonprofits to conduct business. Like any other gathering, a range of factors can affect the productivity of an online board meeting. This article highlights tips on making your virtual board meetings productive and also outlines the most common mistakes that can be avoided.
Lack of Engagement
Many nonprofit boards struggle to keep attendees from remote locations engaged during meetings. This is particularly when your secure document handling in data rooms organization has made the switch to meeting remotely from face-toface sessions. Meetings can be impacted by low participation if your board members aren’t accustomed to using video for communication or are struggling with the technology itself.
Committee reports are typically the least engaging parts of the agenda, which is why it’s difficult to get people to participate in discussions about them in meetings that are virtual. Encourage your committee members to include in their reports a question or a request for feedback from the Board.
Inadequate meeting minutes
Your board’s designated minute-takers are responsible for ensuring that all critical discussions and decisions of your virtual meetings are documented in a clear manner. They should be careful not to describe informal discussions or personal opinions, and should aim for a balance between thoroughness and conciseness. It is crucial to keep your minutes in a formal manner and have the ability to store all documents safely, including governing documents and financial reports. This will prevent confusion and increase accountability between meetings.