Governance Minute: Characteristics of Effective Board Chairs

Paul Dovre says that there are three characteristics of an effective board chair: (1) Knowledge of governance — for example, an understanding of administration and policy and of the differences between tactical, strategic, and generative roles — and some experience in it. (2) A strong professional relationship with the president — a relationship focused on goals, with continuing dialog around key subjects. (3) Effective oversight over governance, including tracking the leadership of the board's committees, board recruitment and evaluation, and keeping track of the board's agenda.