Common Challenges to an Online Board Meeting

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A board meeting online is a great method to keep your board members engaged and make decisions without the time and expense of travelling. However there are some common issues that can affect the efficiency of your meetings, and can hinder the effectiveness of your board.

Disconnections. Remote participants may have trouble connecting to a virtual conference unlike those who attend in person. While this might not be a major issue, it can create a feeling of disconnect and reduce the level of engagement. Make sure that you have a video conferencing system that is simple to use and has excellent audio quality.

Inadequate documentation. Minutes should be precise and clear. Ideally, the designated minutes-taker will document all discussions and decisions verbatim in order to avoid any confusion down the line. Also, you should think about investing in an electronic document management system that allows for secure sharing and storage of meeting materials as well as records.

Engagement of board members is low. The camaraderie and conversation that take place in-person between board members are difficult to replicate online. To combat this, you can try adding a few ice-breakers and breakout sessions, or the option of a quiz during your meeting.

Time constraints. One of the biggest drawbacks to a board meeting held online is the limited time to discuss each item on the agenda. Set the time limit for each discussion. Do not overwhelm your directors with subjects that are difficult to discuss.