As board members return to in-person meetings the hybrid board meeting is the new normal. This new method allows the meeting to be held in person and remotely at the same time which reduces costs and increases accessibility. No matter if your company chooses virtual meetings, in-person meetings with remote participants, or both, it’s important to establish a set of meeting norms and expectations to ensure that everyone feels respected. The best way to do this is to make sure the technology is working properly and establishing clear guidelines for participation, and communicating with purpose.
Hybrid board meetings don’t come without challenges. Some board members might be irritated by not being permitted to interact with each other in the same room, or feel that their contributions are less meaningful since they cannot offer face-to-face context to their peers commentaries. Experts in meeting design suggest that you focus on proactive measures that encourage collaboration. These include opening virtual rooms to encourage interaction during and before meetings, and during breaks. Additionally, you can utilize tools such the board portal to manage your board’s work.
A common issue is the disparity in technical expertise among board members. Remote participants might not be able to attend the meeting or may be hindered by poor video or audio quality or a poor internet connection. Educating your board on how to make use of the technology and ensuring they have access to reliable equipment prior the meeting will help them overcome these obstacles effectively.
https://itsboardroom.com/selecting-and-developing-board-leadership-how-to-choose-the-right-leader/