Virtual meetings seem to be a necessary evil in today’s workplace. And there's a crucial conversation we need to have about them. As we continue to navigate online collaboration, it's essential to consider the efficiency, efficacy, and etiquette of these digital gatherings.

One insightful approach comes from the Chief People Officer at Dropbox, who introduced the "three Ds" rule to streamline virtual meetings. The rule is simple: if a meeting doesn't require you to "discuss, debate, and decide" on an issue, then it's more efficient to communicate via Slack or email. This guideline helps in distinguishing between matters that necessitate the collaborative environment of a meeting and those that can be resolved through asynchronous communication.

In the nonprofit sector, the challenges and frustrations surrounding board engagement and effectiveness are so very common. Many of us who have worked in nonprofits can relate to the struggles of navigating board dynamics and ensuring productive collaboration. It’s not for the faint of heart.

However, it's crucial to step back and assess how the board members themselves perceive their roles and contributions.