How I became a chairperson: A firsthand experience

Key takeaways: How I became a chairperson: A firsthand experience

Making the leap from a non-executive role to the chair

• When thinking of becoming a chair ask yourself, why do you want to become a chair?
• It’s a demanding, challenging role.
• Decide what you want out of the role and what you’ll bring to the role.
• Your job as a chair is to bring a diverse group of people together for the purpose of the organisation. You need to encourage these people to make effective decisions that they can justify to their stakeholders and shareholders.
• The role of the board chair has real consequences for the non-performance or failure of an organisation.
• Be prepared for the time involved.
• Be prepared for your views to be challenged and exposed to the public in some circumstances.

Understanding the difference between executive and chair

• As an executive, your primary concern is yourself and what you want to challenge, debate and scrutinise at the board meeting.
• As a chair, your job is to survey the room, listen to what’s being said, and watch the body language.
• Getting to know the executives around a table is important.
• A chair should find ways to encourage individuals who haven’t made a contribution to get involved in the discussion.

Getting the balance right

• Defining your own chairing style.
• Your job is to facilitate, encourage, question and stimulate.
• Good chairs should be speaking less not more.
• Introduce the conversation and let it develop without letting it get heated. 
• Conclude what you’ve understood the board has agreed on at the end of the meeting.
• Adapt your leadership style when needed.

Fulfilling the role

• The chair has a duty of care to ensure that board members feel comfortable and safe.
• If there are two or three dominant voices in the room, avoid choosing them first.
• Ensure the behaviour of the board is courteous and encouraging yet challenging and demanding.

Have you every wondered what makes a good chairperson? Is it personal skills, is it experience, is it just practice practice practice? Or does it take a very specific personality?

Hear first hand from Brian Cavanagh – an experienced board member, non-executive director and chairperson.

Your takeaways

At the end this webinar, you’ll have a clearer understanding of:

– The chair-effect: determines whether you thrive or strive to survive in your board role.

– The traits needed to deal with challenging situations and personalities.

– How to enjoy the experience as chairperson and make it enjoyable for your fellow board members.

Brian has 30 years of his professional life as an experienced board member, both in Non Executive Director and Chair roles. Until July 2023 Brian was Chair of Synaptik a health focused SME. Brian also sat as a City Councilor in Edinburgh where he chaired the Social Work Committee, and has been both an NDX and Chair of NHS Lothian. He currently acts a trusted advisor to boards and also mentors Chairs/CEOs. Brian sits on the Foscadh Housing Association Board