What is a Chairperson of a Committee?

A committee chairperson is a crucial leadership role in which an individual leads and manages a specific committee assigned by the board of directors. The committee chairperson definition implies overseeing and having authority and responsibility over the committee members. 

In any formal setting — corporate boards, boards of trustees, or nonprofit organizations — the chairperson of a committee plays a vital role in ensuring meetings are productive, decisions are well-considered, and plans are operating efficiently. While the title might seem simple, the responsibilities it carries are broad and critical to the organizational success.

What is the role of a committee chairperson?

The committee chairperson definition encompasses leadership and management, both of which are crucial in ensuring a functioning team. The key responsibilities of a committee chairperson include:

• Govern the committee — At the core of being a chair is leadership. A committee chairperson ensures that everyone on the committee is doing their tasks and contributing their expertise while keeping them focused on the overall goals. They lead by example, demonstrating dedication and impartiality to foster an environment where members feel motivated to participate.
• Delegate tasks to the committee members — Delegation does not only mean assigning tasks but also ensuring that these tasks are completed. An effective chair recognizes the strengths of each member and assigns roles accordingly.
• Organize and prepare committee meetings — Planning and conducting meetings involves creating a structured agenda, running meetings smoothly and on time, and ensuring well-informed decisions are made. Committee chairpersons manage meetings with the help of modern meeting tools like board portals to centralize workflows and documents.

What makes a good chair of a committee?

Here are the key qualities of an effective chairperson:

• Strong Leadership: Provide direction to the committee, keep members aligned with the committee’s objectives, and ensure decisions are made fairly and timely.
• Effective Communication: Clearly and concisely express ideas, give directions, and foster open dialogue among members.
• Good Organizational Skills: Set clear agendas in meetings, prepare documents ahead of time, and sort out plans and strategies before delegation.
• Impartiality: Facilitate discussions without bias, remain neutral, and be decisive while taking into account the opinions of the group.
• Conflict Resolution Skills: Handle disagreements, mediate conflicts, and offer a common ground for members with differing views.

How to Effectively Chair a Committee

To effectively manage a committee, a chair has to have the key qualifications above, as well as perform best practices, including:

1. Set clear objectives — Establish clear goals for the group to work towards. Ensure that everyone understands the committee’s purpose and member’s roles. 
2. Prepare thoroughly — As part of the committee chairperson’s role of organizing meetings, they should also plan the agenda carefully. Ensure it includes key discussion points, timelines, and objectives. Distribute the agenda to members ahead of time so they come prepared.
3. Facilitate meetings efficiently — Keep meeting discussions focused and ensure that members have the opportunity to speak. Encourage balanced collaboration and ensure that decisions are made democratically.
4. Follow up after meetings — After meetings, ensure to send a summary or minutes to the committee members. Include key decisions, actions taken, and deadlines to keep everyone accountable and on track.