Prior to the pandemic, a number of boards were planning to go virtual. It’s more crucial to effectively communicate when you’re not face-to-face. Some of the methods that work in face-to-face meetings may not be applicable to virtual communication. However just a few small modifications can make a massive difference.
Set up an appointment calendar for communicating via video calls or email. A schedule will stop members from becoming behind in communications and will ensure that they are checking their email regularly, regardless of whether it’s a meeting day.
Use video conferencing or screen sharing to give your board members a full experience of collaboration in person. Using these tools allows for visual and audible communication, which is essential to building trust amongst your team.
Make sure you be able to assign a minute-taker to your virtual meetings. This person should be able record the motions in full including the person who made the move, how it was seconded and what the result of the vote was.
Your virtual colleagues will feel more connected if they utilize a whiteboard that supports real-time marking. Freehand is a popular choice, as it allows you to draw with markers on a whiteboard and also offers a group chat option. It’s not able to share files or documents and if you wish to communicate visually, audio or via text on the board, then you’ll need a different app. Another option is Mural, which is a tool for drawing whiteboards with advanced features that are suited for teams of all sizes. It also integrates with other apps to offer additional features.