As boards of governing return to normal operations meeting in hybrid format, they are quickly becoming the norm. This new method allows nonprofit directors and trustees to participate remotely in meetings as well as attend in person at a later date. This is a wonderful alternative for boards of all sizes as it eliminates the need to accommodate quarantine periods as well as travel restrictions. Hybrid board meetings can be challenging if they are not organized and conducted in a proper manner.
The success of a meeting is dependent on the ability to communicate effectively between participants who are in person and those who are remotely. It is find here essential to have high-speed videoconferencing that allows both in-person and virtual participants to be heard clearly. It’s a good idea to allow participants in person to have their own audio speakers, and remote participants to be in a position to share their screen to make it easier for them to listen to the conversation.
Having a clear agenda is also essential. This will help keep the meeting focused and on the right track and avoid the issues that may arise if meetings run for too long. It is also helpful to have a quick break for participants in person so that they can recharge themselves and remain productive throughout the meeting.
It is also a good idea be able to assign a facilitator for each meeting, particularly during lively discussions. It is easy for people who are in person to forget about their virtual colleagues and to overlook the tension created by some having physical presence whereas others don’t. Facilitators can help balance these differences and keeps the group focused on the most important issues to be addressed.
