Promoting excellence in voluntary and community governance and management

Are you an established Chief Executive with an incoming Chair? Are you an established Chair with an

incoming Chief Executive? Are you both new together? How will you work together?

I bet that wherever you are in this scenario, you are already making assumptions. S/he/they will do this;

s/he/they will do that. And do you ever test out those assumptions. Probably not. We all make

assumptions all the time – sometimes unconsciously. But make them we do. So – we’ve made an

assumption. So has the other person. We don’t test them, so we have expectations of how someone will

be. And then they fail to live up to those expectations (and why should they, they don’t know them!) – and

we’re disappointed/angry/frustrated. So the relationship founders without either of you understanding

why. Does this get talked about? Sometimes, but rarely!

I have a suggestion. The very first time you meet, talk about how you will work together. How often will

you meet? Can you talk in between meetings? And if so, are there any boundaries? Times you’re not

available, for instance. Who will set agendas for these meetings? How close can you be? Do you want

your Chair/Chief Executive to know about your family life and associated challenges? Do you assume that

s/he/they will be sympathetic to your challenges, or will s/he/they expect you to soldier on. You can add to

this list as you see fit. And your list will depend on what you have experienced in the past. And review how

well things are working from time to time.

As a former Chief Executive, now a Charity Consultant, and also been a Chair of an organisation, I know it

from all sides. As a CEO I had a series of Chairs…..a less than good Chair may just think everything you do is “wonderful” and never question anything…..a good Chair (for me) listened, provided constructive criticism and challenged – encouraging me to do better. As a Chair, I hope that I provide a listening ear, on a regular, diarised basis, giving advice when asked, and challenging when it feels necessary.

What’s your relationship with your Chair/Chief Executive (delete whichever is not applicable)? Does it work for you? If not, is it salvageable, so that you both get what you need/expect from the other? Try asking what the other one needs…..it will repay you both!

Sue Pearlman, January 2012 revised 2020

Written for the National Council for Voluntary Organisations

07973 254880

sue@pearlman.co.uk.