Online board meetings have become a reality for a variety of organizations, and for good reason. They are efficient and time-saving, while also allowing for a more diverse set of opinions on the decisions. However, there are some difficulties associated with virtual meetings conduct that can impede the flow of discussions and hinder productivity.

To ensure a successful meeting, it's essential to keep the participants on the same page. Utilize video to introduce distant participants and encourage them to make eye-contact using their webcams. Encourage participation by asking the participants to raise their hands when asked for questions or comments. Also be sure to remind them not to mute themselves when not speaking to block background noises such as pets and children. Set a maximum time for speaking to ensure that no one person dominates in a discussion, and also to deter boredom. This can be accomplished by putting the times on your agenda or by appointing someone from the team to act as a timekeeper.

The board members should be given the agenda and a list with the agenda items they are expected to discuss during the meeting. This will ensure that your board members arrive prepared and ready to take sensible decisions. The board members should be encouraged to focus the discussion and avoid discussions that could not help the agenda. In addition, it's a good idea to record minutes of the meeting so that you can preserve the conversation and be an invaluable resource for analyzing the meeting in the future. It is also a good idea to send follow-up tasks following the meeting. This will ensure that all issues and deadlines are met on time.