Planning and Executing Hybrid Board Meetings

As governing boards return to normal operations and hybrid board meetings are fast becoming the normal. This new system allows trustees and directors from nonprofit organizations to participate in meetings remotely, but also allows for attendance in person at a later time. This is beneficial for many boards, as it makes it easier to accommodate travel restrictions and quarantine periods. However the hybrid board meetings could be a challenge if they are not planned and implemented properly.

A meeting’s success is largely dependent on the ability to effectively communicate between participants in person as well as those who are located. Having a quality video conference system with high-speed internet access is vital to ensure that both in-person and virtual attendees can be heard clearly. It is recommended to have a dedicated audio speaker for the in-person attendees, and to offer remote attendees the possibility of sharing their screen in order to allow them to follow the conversation.

The importance of www.itsboardroom.com/selecting-and-developing-board-leadership-how-to-choose-the-right-leader/ having a clear agenda is also important. This will help keep the meeting on track and on the right track, which is an issue that could arise if meetings are held for too long. Additionally, it can be beneficial to provide a break for those who attend in person, to let them reenergize themselves and remain productive throughout the meeting.

It is an excellent idea to have a designated facilitator for every meeting, particularly during lively discussions. It is easy for in-person attendees to overlook their virtual counterparts and ignore the imbalance that is created when some have a physical presence and others do not. Facilitators can help bring balance to these disparities, and keep the group focused.

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