Online meetings might not be as efficient as those held in person, but they can offer more flexibility to members and make it easier to supervise. However, they also require more proper conduct on the board, and have their own unique issues. Here are some best practices to adhere to:

If you are able, start the meeting with a short video of everyone present to establish a connection in person with remote participants right from the beginning. This will also help keep the discussion clear when it comes to issues or questions. It’s also an excellent idea to add the agenda at the start of the meeting. It’s also a good idea to invite participants to comment or Get More Information ask questions throughout the discussion.

Test all cameras prior to the meeting to ensure they’re operating properly. Directors should also dress professionally and appear camera-ready, closing any tabs that might be distracting, and avoiding the glare of windows and other potential distractions. It’s also a good idea for directors to mute their microphone when they aren’t speaking or using the chat feature in meetings to notify the moderator when they have to get out of the video.

If the board has a secure software for managing the board that includes voting and polling features, it’s simple to incorporate the opinions of every board member into decisions, and make everyone feel that their input is valued. It’s an excellent idea for the chair or other officers to remind everyone of any post-meeting activities that are required, like complete the board survey, or collecting electronic signatures.