Overview

""This is a book for everyone who sits on a Board... This is essential reading for new and old Chairs alike..."" - Sally Louden, former CEO of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities Becoming a board Chair for the first time is an experience that is both exciting and frightening. Luckily, The Art of Chairing is here to guide you along your chairing journey. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience in corporate, profit and non-profit sectors, Brian Cavanagh outlines everything a first-time chair needs to know. With the use of case studies and top tips, he distils the product of years of governance in a simple and companionable guide. New and old challenges in the world of governance, from Chair/CEO relations to AI, are discussed in detail to arrive at easy-to-understand solutions for the reader. No matter your level of chairing experience, this is the book for you. Brian Cavanagh has over thirty years of experience in leadership and governance. He leads a mentoring and coaching consultancy specialising in board governance and strategic leadership development across all sectors. He was previously the Chair of NHS Lothian and Synaptik, along with being a Board Member of Foscadh Housing Association. He is also the author of Governing with Purpose, published in 2022.

Full Product Details

9781806058136

Table of Contents

Reviews

Brian Cavanagh has a lifetime of experience in Chairing organisations of all shapes and sizes. Here he has produced the ultimate guide on how to be a successful Chair and indeed what success looks like. The eleven chapters of the book provide guidance on issues like dealing with conflict, the makeup of a Board, effective communication, and leadership skills. The author defines clearly what he means by each topic, why it is important and gives examples of good and bad practice drawing on his own experience and those of others he is acquainted with. This is a publication that I wish I had access to when I first Chaired a meeting. It should be required reading for every incoming Chair. Furthermore, CEOs and Board Members would gain immense value from its insights, as it would equip them with a deeper understanding of the Chair's pivotal responsibilities, ultimately leading to more effective and collaborative governance... - David Martin (former Vice President, European Parliament) The old saying warns us to be careful of what we wish for, and once you become a Chair of any complex organisation, it can be a difficult and lonely role. I found The Art of Chairing to be an excellent handbook for Chairs, both experienced and newly appointed. It offers jargon-free, practical advice which you can go back to again and again. - Ciarán Mulgrew (former Chair, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust) Brian brings not only a wealth of experience to his writing but a deep reflection on that experience. It has resulted in a book full of wise counsel and practical guidance that any Chair would do well to take on board. Finding the opportunity in difference or conflict, not being afraid of challenge but learning from it, being aware of your own shortcomings and growing past them. It's all in there. All manner of life gathers when a Board meeting is called. This is the guide to help you through! - Mark Dearey (former County Councillor and Senator) This is a book for everyone who sits on a Board. It's aimed at new Chairs, but could easily apply to anyone with a Board position. It's a how-to guide which is honest, based on vast experience, full of case studies and guidance on both what to do and what not to do. The book holds your hand from day one. This is essential reading for new and old Chairs alike - I learned a lot! - Sally Louden (former CEO, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) As a professional Chair, I know how lonely and ambiguous the role can feel -- especially early on. Brian Cavanagh's book is the guide I wish I'd had when I started my Board journey 15 years ago. It balances governance insight with practical examples, making it both accessible and deeply useful. Whether you're leading a global enterprise, a public service or a local charity, this is a wise, timely companion for any new Chair navigating today's fast-shifting boardroom landscape. - Lisa Tennant (Chair, SEPA and Chair, NHS Pension Board) Brian has hit the spot in writing this timely and valuable book, full of practical tools, case studies, and wise words for first-time Chairs. Drawing on his own extensive experience as well as other experts in the field, it provides all you need to know as you navigate the role and settle in. It also offers useful content on new and emerging themes, such as A.I., that are adding increasing complexity as Boards govern and manage risk in a rapidly changing world. Easy to read and comprehensive in scope, I highly recommend this book to both those who are newly appointed Chairs and those whose role involves supporting boards across all sectors. - Liz McEntee (Chair, Economic Development Association Scotland)

Author Information

Brian Cavanagh has over thirty years of experience in leadership and governance. He leads a mentoring and coaching consultancy specialising in board governance and strategic leadership development across all sectors. He was previously the Chair of NHS Lothian and Synaptik, along with being a Board Member of Foscadh Housing Association. He is also the author of Governing with Purpose, published in 2022.

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