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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 chairs in organizations, the importance of feedback, and the role of senior independent directors.

The conversation highlights how many chairs lack the necessary experience and training, leading to ineffective leadership. It emphasizes the need for chairs to receive constructive feedback to improve their performance.

Additionally, the episode addresses the dynamics within organizations where chairs may operate without accountability, often due to fear among team members to voice concerns.

Listeners gain insights into the responsibilities of chairs and the importance of having a senior independent director to facilitate feedback and accountability.

TL;DR

Effective chairs need training and feedback to lead successfully.

Episode

0:50
00:00:00
I do think that being a chair is a
00:00:03
really skilled thing to do.
00:00:06
And sadly, a lot of chairs are not very
00:00:08
skilled because they haven't had the
00:00:10
experience, they haven't had the
00:00:12
training, they haven't had the feedback,
00:00:14
you know? And quite a lot of people
00:00:15
become chairs and think, well, now I do
00:00:17
whatever I want, really, you know? And
00:00:19
people are too scared, perhaps,
00:00:22
uh and sometimes, you know, they don't
00:00:24
want to cause trouble, whatever it is.
00:00:26
So, the chair gets away with an awful
00:00:28
lot.
00:00:29
Now, it seems to me in terms of what
00:00:31
chairs need to do, chairs need to get
00:00:33
good feedback on how they're doing. And
00:00:36
again, the senior independent director
00:00:38
has a role here to do that and act as a
00:00:40
formal channel, as it were.
00:00:47
>> [music]

Episode Highlights

  • The Role of Chairs
    Chairs often lack the necessary skills and feedback to perform effectively.
    “A lot of chairs are not very skilled because they haven't had the experience.”
    @ 00m 06s
    April 14, 2026
  • Importance of Feedback
    Feedback is crucial for chairs to improve their performance and effectiveness.
    “Chairs need to get good feedback on how they're doing.”
    @ 00m 31s
    April 14, 2026

Episode Quotes

  • Chairs need to get good feedback on how they're doing.
    Why So Many Chairs Fail at Board Effectiveness

Key Moments

  • Need for Feedback00:31

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