Online board meetings are an excellent method of keeping board members interested and make decisions without the need to travel. However some common problems can affect the efficiency of your meetings and impede the efficiency of your board.
Disconnections. As opposed to an in-person meeting remote participants may have difficulty connecting to the virtual conference. While this might not be a major problem, it can create a feeling of disconnect and reduce engagement levels. Be sure to provide an audio-visual system that is simple to use and has high-quality audio.
Inadequate documentation. Minutes need to be accurate and clear. Ideally, the minutes-taker will keep a record of all important discussions and decisions to avoid confusion down the line. It is also recommended to invest in a system for document management that lets you securely share and manage meeting materials and records.
The board members are not involved in a significant way. The camaraderie and conversation that take online board meeting place in-person between board members are difficult to replicate online. To combat this, you can try including a few icebreakers, breakout sessions or even the option of a quiz during your meeting.
Time limitations. The limited time to discuss each item at an online board meeting can be a major issue. Set an amount of time for each discussion. Make sure not to the directors with topics that are difficult to discuss.