Remote meetings are a crucial aspect of collaboration, particularly for teams with distributed members. If you don’t adhere to the proper protocol for meetings, they can be less productive than in-person http://www.boardmeetingonline.net/secrets-of-running-successful-remote-meetings/ sessions. Virtual meetings can benefit from a variety of the same techniques used to make in-person meetings more productive and engaging. Here are 13 suggestions from Forbes Coaches Council members on how to run an effective remote meeting
1. Use an agenda.
To avoid getting lost in the conversation, you should begin your meeting with an organized agenda. If you are able, draft an agenda that incorporates input from the attendees and then present it at first.
2. Encourage everyone to speak out.
Some people are hesitant to take part in online meetings because they are afraid of overtaking the conversation or being interrupted. To counter this, consider using a specialized conference call microphone and camera that can help block out background noises and make everyone’s voice heard equally. And always ask for questions or remarks at the end of the meeting to ensure that every attendee is heard.
3. Focus on action items and follow up.
Meetings often end with vague action items and no clear follow up plan. To combat this, decide how actions will be documented and followed-up at the start of the meeting, and review them at the conclusion of the meeting. You can also set up one-on-one follow-up meetings or another group session with a realistic timeline.
