The Chairman of the board or Committee Chair is a fundamental component of and critical to a committee or organization’s success. Success will depend on your chair’s leadership and experience. If you ever sat through a meeting led by a ‘bad’ chair you know exactly what I am talking about.

Here are 10 key factors to consider

1. Experience and expertise: The candidate should have relevant experience and expertise in the committee's area of focus. This ensures they can provide informed guidance and make sound decisions.
2. Leadership skills: Strong leadership skills are crucial. The chair should be able to motivate and inspire committee members, manage conflicts, and lead the team towards achieving its goals.
3. Organizational skills: Effective organizational skills are essential for setting agendas, managing meetings, and ensuring that tasks are completed on time.
4. Interpersonal skills: The ability to communicate effectively, listen to others, and foster a collaborative environment is important for a successful chair.
5. Objectivity and fairness: The chair should be unbiased and able to maintain objectivity throughout the decision-making process.
6. Commitment and availability: The candidate should be committed to the role and have the time to dedicate to the committee's activities.
7. Vision and strategic thinking: A good chair should have a clear vision for the committee and be able to think strategically about its long-term goals and objectives.
8. Reputation and credibility: The chair should be respected by other committee members and stakeholders, which can help in gaining their support and cooperation.
9. Conflict resolution skills: The ability to handle disagreements and conflicts within the committee effectively is crucial for maintaining a productive working environment.
10. Transparency and accountability: The chair should be transparent in their actions and decisions and hold themselves accountable to the committee and its stakeholders.

Selecting the right chair can significantly impact the effectiveness and success of the committee. Do you have any specific criteria in mind for your committee chair?