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CHAIR
The role of the chair is vital in ensuring that any board effectively sets and monitors its organisation’s strategy
A
s the person setting the tone of and providing leadership to the board and ensuring its effectiveness in terms of setting and monitoring the implementation of its company’s strategy and direction, the role of the chairperson cannot be underestimated. “The appointment of a chair is a critical one in any organisation,” says Maura Quinn, CEO of the Institute of Directors in Ireland. “The chair leads the board in setting, overseeing and monitoring the company direction and strategy. They are ultimately responsible for effectively leading the board. “And how that board conducts itself in terms of the tone it sets from the top is very dependent on the messaging and the conduct and the leadership provided by the chair. If the chairperson does not behave in a way that is both transparent and equitable and showing the highest standards, then it is very difficult to expect the board to behave in that way.
“So, when people assume the role of the chair, they really need to realise that their conduct and how they present themselves and how they interact – both with the board and with senior management – is really important and is looked at by everybody.”
Wide ranging skills A wide range of skills and characteristics are required for the role of the chair. Aside from leadership, having and displaying the highest standards of integrity and probity are right at the top of the list. But also very important, according to Quinn, are the ability and willingness to encourage open dialogue in such a way that everyone around the table feels comfortable about sharing their opinions, even if these are contrary to the majority view. “The board has to be a safe place where people can ask questions, debate issues, challenge management and feel they’re making a valuable contribution and are being heard,” she says. “The worst thing for any board is where somebody feels they’re not being
Irish Director Autumn 2014
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22/10/2014 19:03