John Adair's 100 Greatest Ideas for Brilliant Communication

Idea 81: Becoming an effective chairperson

Guests sleep well in the Inn of Decision.

Arab proverb

Good chairmanship is vital for effective meetings. The chair’s task will sometimes pose problems, but a good chairperson can make sure that a meeting is punctual, covers the ground, keeps moving forward and makes the appropriate decisions. Beneath that process lies purposeful communication.

Your manner may do as much if not more than your words to encourage, or discourage, genuine communication. Humour, modesty and firmness have their own part to play.

As the leader’s own task encompasses the creation of a warm, friendly but businesslike atmosphere, it is vital that you should check whether or not your manner aids and abets the promotion of good ...