As governing boards return normal operations the hybrid board meeting is quickly becoming the normal. This new model allows trustees and directors of nonprofit organizations to attend meetings from home, while also allowing for in-person attendance at a later date. This is great for many boards because it alleviates the need to accommodate the travel restrictions and quarantine time. Hybrid board meetings can be problematic If they are not organized and conducted in a proper manner.
One key element for a successful meeting is clear communication between in-person and remote participants. It is crucial to use an advanced video conference system that allows both in-person as well as virtual participants to be heard clearly. It is a good idea to have a dedicated audio speaker for the people in the room, and to give remote attendees the possibility of sharing their screen in order to allow them to follow the discussion.
An agenda that is clear is essential. This can keep the meeting on track and focused which can be an issue if meetings run over a hop over to these guys long period of time. It can also be beneficial to include a short break for participants in person so that they can reenergize themselves and remain productive throughout the meeting.
It is also a good idea have a designated facilitator at every meeting, especially during lively discussions. It is easy for those present in person to forget about their virtual colleagues and forget the tension created due to some having a physical presence while others aren’t. Facilitators can help balance these disparities and keep the board focusing on the most pressing issues.