As governing boards return to regular operations the hybrid board meeting is fast becoming the normal. This new model allows nonprofit trustees and directors to be able to participate remotely at meetings, but also attend in person at a later date. This is a fantastic option for many boards because it doesn’t have to accommodate quarantine periods and travel restrictions. Hybrid board meetings can be challenging if they are not planned and executed properly.
A meeting’s success is largely dependent on the ability to communicate effectively between participants in person as well as those who are located. A high-quality video conference system that has high-speed internet is essential, to ensure that both in-person as well as virtual participants can be heard clearly. It is recommended to use a dedicated audio speaker for the in-person participants, and to give remote attendees the option of sharing their screen in order to make it easier for them to follow the conversation.
A clear agenda is also important. This can help keep the meeting on track and focused and can cause a problem if meetings last too long. Also, it’s beneficial to have a break available for those who attend in person to let them reenergize themselves and remain productive throughout the meeting.
It is also a good idea to be able to assign a facilitator for every meeting, particularly during lively discussions. It is go to my blog easy for those who attend in person to ignore their virtual colleagues and overlook the discord created when some are physically present and others don’t. A facilitator helps to balance these differences and keeps the board focused on the most important issues at hand.