Prior to the pandemic, many boards were in the process of going virtual. It’s therefore even more important to be able communicate effectively when not in person. While some of the methods used for in-person meetings aren’t necessarily applicable to virtual communication, there are a few easy changes that could make the difference.
Set up a schedule for video calls or emails. Having a designated schedule prevents members from getting behind on board communications and ensures that they check their emails on a regular basis regardless of whether it’s a meeting day or not.
Utilize tools such as screen sharing and video conferencing to provide your board members with the full experience of in-person collaboration. The use of these tools will allow for audio and visual communication, which is crucial to build trust between your team.
Make sure to be able to assign a minute-taker to your virtual meetings. The person in charge should be able to keep all motions recorded verbatim. This includes who made the motion and how it was then seconded.
Using a whiteboard tool that offers real-time markup allows your virtual coworkers to feel more connected to your meeting. One of the most sought-after choices is Freehand that allows you to draw on a whiteboard with markers and also allows to chat in groups. However, it doesn’t include the capability to share files or documents and you’ll need another app for visual, audio, or text messaging outside of your board. Another option is Mural, which is a whiteboard software with advanced features that are ideal for teams of all sizes. It also can be integrated with other apps to add more functionality.