(SHORT) The true role of the Board Chair

I’m increasingly obsessed with the role of the Board Chair.

One myth that seems to be quite pervasive (often amplified by media reporting), is this…

MYTH: THE BOARD CHAIR = THE BOSS.

They are NOT.

Yes, they are the “leader” of the board but not in the same hierarchical way a CEO is of a management team.

The buck doesn’t stop with them and decisions are not made by the Chair alone (*caveat below). All decisions at board level are by the board, at least legally.

However, I too often see Board Chairs (especially former CEOs) acting like the boss AND I see other board members (usually former executives) letting them do it.

A Chair DOES:

✅ Facilitate effective decision-making.
✅ Build and nurture positive relationships within the board and executive.
✅ Ensure accountability and good governance practices (ie sets the tone)

A (good) Chair DOESN’T:

❌ Micromanage or dominate discussions.
❌ Ignore diverse perspectives.
❌ Act as a spokesperson without board consensus.

When electing a chair it’s often the default to choose the most senior, respected, high profile, or dominant individual.

Do not fall into this trap unless you have a culture that self aware of the dangers.

Instead, appoint a chair who is the best facilitator, diplomat, motivator, patient, and self-aware.

Do you agree?

*caveat time. This might not be true for companies with Executive Chairs or specific references in their Constitution/Articles.