Being an effective board member doesn’t have to stop just because in-person meetings are a thing of the past. Here are a few tips to help make the most of your time.

Make your presence felt.

Don’t go invisible behind a computer screen. Proactively reach out to colleagues with information they care about, like sharing insights on relevant market trends, updates on a new CRM tool, or suggestions to a challenge you know they have been trying to solve.

Understand preferred communication styles.

Ask how others prefer to communicate - email, video calls, or instant messaging - and accommodate their needs. Over time, you’ll realize more streamlined approaches for different projects, so be flexible. Sharing multiple documents and open discussions are best through Zoom, and when it comes to resolving issues, phone calls are less prone to misunderstanding than written communications.

Prioritize video calls.

That said, face-to-face interaction maintains relationships and strengthens trust. Just be sure a video meeting isn't taking up more time than it should.

Designate time for each project.

Balancing a full-time job, advisory work, and life at home can be difficult. Let your colleagues know the best time to connect with you, whether that’s first thing in the morning or late afternoon. This is particularly important when working with people in different time zones.

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