Not all chairs are created equal! Being an executive director at an association management company (AMC) gives me a valuable perspective on what an “effective” chair for a Board or committee meeting looks like.

The job of a Board or committee chair is not easy, and it is getting harder for many reasons. The world is getting more complicated for associations, and the number of challenges faced is getting increasingly significant to how they operate. The amount of time members are willing to commit to contributing to the association’s vision and mission is getting less. The economy’s complexity also contributes to understanding how to move associations forward to remain relevant and sustainable. Keeping these factors in mind, it is vital for a Board chair or committee chair to keep things on track and honour volunteer’s time – especially during meetings. An effective chairperson is also essential to keep the vision and mission aligned with the association and to keep things moving forward.

A good chairperson plays a crucial role in the effectiveness and success of a Board. Here are five key characteristics of a good chair:

1. Leadership Skills

  • A chairperson must demonstrate strong leadership to inspire and motivate Board members. They are responsible for setting the agenda and ensuring meetings are conducted efficiently. Effective leadership helps the Board navigate challenges and make informed decisions.

2. Communication Abilities

  • Clear communication is vital for a chairperson to articulate the Board’s vision and objectives. They must facilitate discussions, encourage participation from all members, and ensure everyone is heard. Good communication helps prevent misunderstandings and fosters a cohesive team environment.

3. Strategic Thinking

  • A chairperson should possess the ability to think strategically, considering long-term goals and implications of decisions. They guide the Board in prioritizing initiatives that align with the organization’s mission and vision and help identify opportunities for growth and improvement.

4. Diplomacy

  • Diplomacy involves managing diverse opinions and resolving conflicts amicably. A diplomatic chairperson can navigate sensitive issues and mediate disagreements, ensuring that Board meetings remain productive and focused on achieving common goals.

5. Integrity

  • Integrity is foundational for trust and credibility. A chairperson must adhere to ethical standards, demonstrating honesty and transparency in their actions. Their integrity sets the tone for the Board and influences the organization’s culture and reputation.

Chairpersons face a variety of challenges in their role. Here are some common ones:

1. Balancing Diverse Perspectives

  • Managing differing opinions and perspectives among Board members can be challenging. A chairperson must facilitate discussions to reach consensus without stifling diverse viewpoints.

2. Maintaining Engagement

  • Ensuring that all Board members are engaged and actively participating can be difficult. The chairperson must find ways to keep meetings dynamic and relevant to maintain interest and commitment.

3. Time Management

  • With limited time for Board meetings, a chairperson must efficiently manage the agenda and ensure that all important topics are covered without rushing discussions or decisions.

4. Conflict Resolution

  • Conflicts may arise due to differing opinions or interests. A chairperson needs strong conflict resolution skills to mediate disputes and maintain a collaborative Board environment.

5. Strategic Alignment

  • Keeping the Board focused on strategic goals and long-term vision amidst immediate operational concerns can be challenging. The chairperson must continually steer discussions toward strategic priorities.

Agendas for meetings are an important component to chairing a good meeting. Making sure the chair of the Board and committees are involved in the creation of the agenda is important. When they are involved, they have a clear understanding of the items and how they affect what the committee or Board is trying to accomplish.

The following article breaks agenda items into two categories: https://www.strauss.ca/avoid-frustrating-association-volunteer-leaders/. In breaking down the agenda items into these two categories, the chair will be able to get the most out of the conversations. Setting the agenda & sticking to the agenda helps guide the chair and strengthen the outcomes of the meeting.

As not all chairs are created equal, there are ways to level the playing field. Look for qualities listed above and nurture the ones that need improvement. The importance of having strong chairs for your Board and committees will go a long way to ensuring future success in environments that are becoming increasingly more challenging to be successful in.