As boards of governing return to regular activities, hybrid meetings are becoming more frequent. This new model allows trustees and directors of nonprofit organizations to attend meetings remotely, and allows for attendance in person at a later time. This is a fantastic option for many boards as it does not have to accommodate quarantine times and travel restrictions. Hybrid board meetings can be difficult if they are not planned and implemented properly.
One key element of a successful meeting is clear communication between in-person and remote participants. It is crucial to have a high-speed video conference system that lets both in-person and virtual participants to be heard clearly. It is a good idea to use a dedicated audio speaker for the participants in person, and also to give remote participants the opportunity to share their screen in order to allow them to follow the discussion.
The importance of having a clear agenda is also essential. This will help keep the meeting on track and in the right direction and can cause an issue if meetings run over a long period of time. It is also beneficial to include a short break for the in-person participants so that they can reenergize themselves and remain productive throughout the meeting.
It is also a great idea to assign an individual facilitator for each meeting. This is particularly crucial during lively discussions. It https://itsboardroom.com/how-to-set-up-successful-hybrid-board-meetings/ is easy for people who are in person to forget about their virtual counterparts and overlook the imbalance created by the fact that some have physical presence, while others don’t. Facilitators can help bring balance to these disparities, and help keep the board focused.