Hybrid Board Meetings

The pandemic, despite desire of many board members to resume in-person meetings, has forced us to continue to meet online. This hybrid model isn’t going to disappear, and it is essential that boards find an effective way to hold meetings that have attendees in person as well as those joining remotely.

To ensure that meetings remain productive for the board, the chair of the board needs to adhere to the agenda and give clear instructions. Digital tools can help facilitate meetings by allowing attendees work through tasks faster. It is also essential that both remote and in-person attendees are provided with the same materials before the scheduled time. This could include any documents or slides that are used during the meeting as well as any notes https://itsboardroom.com/top-tips-for-dealing-with-difficult-board-members/ and information that was distributed in advance.

Prioritizing engagement in hybrid meetings will ensure that all board members are on the same level. It is vital to ensure that the virtual platform functions correctly and that all the links have been downloaded and clicked prior to the meeting starts. Having a dedicated staff member log into the meeting to observe these functions will enable you to spot and resolve any issues before they become a problem.

Similar to muting the microphone when not speaking will eliminate echoes and background noise and allow everyone to focus on the discussion at hand. It’s also a good idea to close all tabs and pause any music or videos prior to starting the meeting. A board management software that is accessible will ensure that your meeting is more inclusive for people who suffer from hearing, speech and vision disabilities.