As governing boards return to regular operations the hybrid board meeting is quickly becoming the commonplace. This new format lets trustees and directors of non-profit organizations to attend meetings remotely, but also allows attendees to attend in person at a later time. This is a fantastic alternative for boards of all sizes as it doesn’t have to accommodate quarantine times and travel restrictions. Hybrid board meetings can be difficult when they’re not designed and executed in a way that is efficient.

One key element of an effective meeting is clear communication between in-person and remote participants. Having a quality video conference system with high-speed internet access is vital, so that both virtual and in-person attendees can be heard clearly. It is a good idea for participants in person to have their own audio speakers, and remote participants to be capable of sharing their screen so that they can listen to the discussion.

A clear agenda is crucial. This can help keep the meeting on track and in the right direction which could be a problem if meetings last over a long period of time. It is also beneficial to schedule a break for the in-person participants so that they can recharge themselves and remain productive throughout the meeting.

It is also a great idea to choose a facilitator for each meeting. This is especially important in lively discussions. It is easy for attendees in person to forget about their virtual colleagues and ignore the imbalance that is created when some have a physical presence and others don’t. A facilitator helps to balance these differences and keeps the group focused on the most important issues at hand.

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