Remote meetings are a crucial part of collaboration, particularly for teams with multiple locations. If you don’t follow the proper manners of meeting and protocol, they could be less effective than in-person sessions. Fortunately, many of the methods that make meetings productive and engaging in person can be used in virtual meetings. Here are 13 suggestions from Forbes Coaches Council members on how to conduct a successful remote meeting:
1. Use an agenda.
To avoid being lost in the conversation, start your meeting with an agenda that is clear. If you can, make an agenda with input from attendees and then share it first.
2. Encourage everyone to speak out.
In online meetings, certain people might be reluctant to speak up because they are worried about dominating the conversation http://www.boardmeetingonline.net/4-business-management-skills-you-need-to-succeed/ or getting interrupted. You might want to consider using a conference call camera and microphone that block out background noises and amplify all voices equally. You can ask questions or to make comments after the meeting, so that everyone is heard.
3. Focus on action items and follow up.
Meetings often end with a list of actions that are not clear, and no plan for follow-up. To prevent this from happening, decide how actions will be documented and followed up at the start of the meeting. Then, review them at the conclusion of the meeting. It’s also good to set up follow-up one-on-one meetings or a second team meeting within a reasonable time frame.