This is a guide for people who aspire to become chair of the board or are becoming a chair for the first time.
We describe the steps to becoming a chair in the UK, what the role involves, and the personal characteristics needed to chair a board effectively. We focus on non-executive chairs of quoted company boards, although we briefly consider other types of board.
This is a great time for anyone thinking of becoming a board chair for two reasons: the opportunities are becoming more numerous and the role more interesting. For those who have had a successful executive career, it is a hard transition to make and yet it can be a deeply satisfying one.
Topics include
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Why become a chair?
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Am I suitable to be a chair?
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Have you the time to take on this responsibility?
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How long can you serve?
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How does the appointment process work?
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Closing the appointment
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Taking over
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Working with the CEO
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Performance management
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Managing the board
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Strategy
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Purpose
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Risk
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Committees
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Shareholders and stakeholders
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Other external relationships and the governance burden
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Managing meetings
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Leadership style
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Personal development