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Why So Many Chairs Fail at Board Effectiveness

April 14, 2026 / 00:50

This episode discusses the skills required for effective leadership, particularly focusing on the role of a chair in organizations. Key topics include the importance of feedback, training, and experience for chairs, as well as the challenges they face in their positions.

The conversation highlights how many chairs lack the necessary skills due to insufficient training and feedback. It emphasizes that some chairs may misuse their authority, leading to a lack of accountability.

Additionally, the role of the senior independent director is mentioned as crucial in providing feedback and support to chairs, ensuring they perform their duties effectively.

TLDR

The episode highlights the importance of skilled leadership and effective feedback for chairs in organizations.

Episode

0:50

00:00:00

I do think that being a chair is a really skilled thing to do. And sadly, a lot of chairs are not very

00:00:08

skilled because they haven't had the experience, they haven't had the training, they haven't had the feedback,

00:00:14

you know? And quite a lot of people become chairs and think, well, now I do whatever I want, really, you know? And

00:00:19

people are too scared, perhaps, uh and sometimes, you know, they don't want to cause trouble, whatever it is.

00:00:26

So, the chair gets away with an awful lot. Now, it seems to me in terms of what chairs need to do, chairs need to get

00:00:33

good feedback on how they're doing. And again, the senior independent director

00:00:38

has a role here to do that and act as a formal channel, as it were. >> [music]

Episode Highlights

The Role of a Chair
Chairs require skill and feedback to be effective in their roles.
“Being a chair is a really skilled thing to do.”
@ 00m 03s
April 14, 2026

Episode Quotes

People are too scared, perhaps, and sometimes they don’t want to cause trouble.
Why So Many Chairs Fail at Board Effectiveness
Chairs need to get good feedback on how they’re doing.
Why So Many Chairs Fail at Board Effectiveness

Key Moments

Chair Skills00:03
Fear of Conflict00:19
Need for Feedback00:31