As board members return to my blog meetings in person meeting in hybrid format, hybrid board meetings are the new norm. This new model allows the meeting to be held in person and via remote simultaneously which reduces costs and increases accessibility. It is essential that your company establishes standards for meetings and expectations, whether you opt for all-virtual or in-person meetings, with remote attendees. The best way to accomplish this is to ensure that the technology is optimized by establishing clear guidelines for participation and establishing a clear purpose for communication.
Hybrid board meetings are not without their challenges, but. Some board members might be disgruntled by not being capable of interacting in the same room, or may consider that their contributions are less meaningful since they can’t provide face-toface context to their colleagues’ comments. Experts in meeting design suggest that you take proactive measures that encourage collaboration. These include opening virtual rooms to encourage interaction prior to and during meetings, as well as during breaks. Additionally, you can use tools such an online board portal to streamline the work of your board.
A frequent issue is various levels of technical expertise among board members. Some remote participants may not be able to attend the meeting or may be impeded by poor video or audio quality or the inability to connect to the internet. You can assist your board in navigating these obstacles by educating participants on how to utilize technology and making sure they have reliable equipment on hand prior to the meeting.