The pandemic has forced many institutions to adjust, sometimes radically, to maintain an effective work environment. Now many months into these new arrangements, signs of general fatigue threaten productivity and enthusiasm, not just for employees but for board members as well. People no longer consider virtual get-togethers after work clever and fun.
When it comes to your board, how do you fight lethargy and keep your board members engaged and enthusiastic?
Keep Up the Energy
Use the following strategies to keep up your board’s energy and focus.
Keep meetings snappy. Perhaps the most important practice for managing your board members is top-notch organization and communication. The most successful meetings have a stated goal, attendees ready to contribute, a purpose communicated within the time allotted, and a written record of the process and outcomes.
As you organize your agenda, arrange them so that you tackle more important items first. Participant attention tends to fade within the first 20 minutes of any meeting. If you have an informational item that could be conveyed by email or document, consider adding it to the agenda as a reference.
Limit the time for your online meeting to an hour or less. Put a time frame around each agenda item, including kicking off and closing out the meeting.
Up your virtual game. You’ve seen the commercials and internet memes of conference calls with continuous disruptions and distractions. Everyone feels frustrated, and nothing gets accomplished. However, virtual meetings can be productive if you know the technology, so continue to get better at your video conferencing platform. If your platform has built-in engagement tools like voting and polling, try them. Many platforms upgrade frequently, so stay on top of updates.
Encourage empathy. The pandemic has added unique challenges to everyone’s lives, and these challenges may affect your board’s performance.
Spend time understanding the difficulties and concerns your board members may face and consider board changes if necessary, even if only temporarily.
Your board may consider redistributing tasks if one member is overwhelmed or takes time off. Make it a point to ask whether members need additional resources for any assigned duties.
Ask for Input
Your board is likely one of your most valuable sources of advice and feedback. If you sense board boredom, ask them for help and continue to seek their input on how to keep your organization engaged during these continuing challenges.
Next Steps
A high-functioning board is a must. Our team can help you keep your board on track. Contact us today to discuss your next steps.
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