A remote board meeting is a gathering conducted via video conference call where board members don't physically meet in the same room. This method of conducting business has become increasingly popular during the coronavirus epidemic and will likely continue to be used following the pandemic.
The key to a efficient and effective remote board is using the proper tools. Board members should be able access all the materials prior to the meeting. This will save time and will avoid confusion during the meeting. It's also beneficial to have the meeting recorded particularly if it's a lengthy discussion or has a lot of discussion.
Encourage board members to pay attention to their surroundings when they're logging into the meeting. Distractions like a barking dog, loud street noise or even the slight sound of television in a different room can distract you and make it hard to concentrate during the meeting. Board members should, in the ideal scenario, be able sign in from their office using an unlocked, quiet door.
It's important to include a note of every board member's presence at the beginning of the meeting. This not only ensures everyone is present, but also sets the tone for the meeting and lets everyone know that it's a significant issue. After each item on the agenda, it's beneficial to ask for feedback. This encourages participation and engagement, even by members who live far away. The board can make decisions following the feedback after the meeting if it chooses to.
