Remote meetings are a key component of collaboration, particularly for teams that are distributed. But they can be less effective than in-person meetings if you don’t follow the correct manner of conducting meetings. Virtual meetings can benefit from a variety of the same strategies used to make in-person meetings efficient and enjoyable. Here are 13 suggestions from Forbes Coaches Council members on how to organize an effective remote meeting
1. Use an agenda.
To avoid getting lost in the conversation, start your meeting with a clear agenda. If you can, make an agenda with input from the attendees and then present it at first.
2. Encourage everyone to speak out.
In online meetings, some people may be hesitant to speak up because they are worried about dominating the conversation or getting interrupted. To counter this, consider using a specially-designed conference call microphone and camera. This will help to block out background noises and amplify everyone’s voice equally. Ask for questions or comments following the meeting to ensure that everyone is heard.
3. Make sure you focus on action items and follow-up.
Too often, meetings leave with a lack of action items and no clear follow up plan. To avoid this, determine the method by which actions will be recorded and followed-up upon at the start of a meeting and review the actions at the end of the meeting. It’s also recommended to set up follow-up one-on-one meetings or a team meeting within a reasonable time frame.
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