Despite many board members’ wishes to return to in-person meetings, the pandemic has caused the majority of us to continue to meet online. This hybrid model is not going to disappear, and it’s imperative that boards find an effective way to hold meetings with attendees who are in person as well as those who attend remote meetings.
To ensure that meetings are productive, it is vital that the chair of the board adheres to the agenda. He or she should also provide clear instructions. Digital tools can also help to speed up the process of meetings by making it easier for attendees to go through issues more quickly. It’s also crucial that remote and in-person attendees receive the same materials prior to the meeting. This includes documents and slides used during the meeting, along with notes and information sent out in advance.
Prioritizing engagement during hybrid meetings will ensure that all board members are on the same level. To do this, it’s important to make sure that the virtual platform is working correctly and that all necessary links have been used and downloaded prior to the beginning of the meeting. The presence of a staff member join the meeting and observe these functions will enable you to recognize and address any issues early.
Similarly, muting the microphone when not speaking will help eliminate echoes and background noise and allow everyone to concentrate on the discussion in front of them. It’s recommended to close any other tabs and to pause any music or videos prior to beginning the meeting. A board management program that includes accessibility features will help make your meeting more accessible for those who have hearing, speech or vision impairments.
https://itsboardroom.com/how-to-set-up-successful-hybrid-board-meetings/