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Meeting Chair
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What is a Meeting Chair?

Meeting Chair

The meeting chair (also called chairperson) is a person elected to lead meetings of a board or committee. They are responsible for preparing the meeting agenda, starting the meeting, and keeping the discussion on track.
Definition
Daniel Wirtz
Co-Founder, Facilitator School
Last updated
June 14, 2024

A Meeting Chair, also known as a chairperson, plays a pivotal role in steering meetings towards efficiency and productivity by ensuring that all specified topics are discussed and goals are met without wasting any time. They prepare the meeting agenda in advance, call the meeting to order, and direct the flow of discussion to keep the group focused on the subject at hand.

The responsibilities of a meeting chair extend beyond just managing the agenda. They also act as mediators when conflicts arise, ensuring that every participant has an equal opportunity to contribute. By maintaining a neutral and balanced perspective, they facilitate a democratic environment where decisions are reached through consensus rather than conflict. The chairperson also wraps up the meeting with a summary of decisions made and tasks assigned, making sure everyone is clear about the next steps.

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Meeting Chair

What are the responsibilities of a Meeting Chair?

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The primary responsibilities of a Meeting Chair include preparing the meeting agenda, initiating the meeting, and guiding the discussion to stay on topic. Additionally, a chairperson manages the time efficiently to cover all items on the agenda, facilitates fair participation among all attendees, resolves conflicts, and ensures that decisions are clearly recorded for follow-up actions.

What makes a good Meeting Chair?

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A good Meeting Chair possesses strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and an impartial attitude. Essential traits include the capacity to listen actively, mediate disputes effectively, and make decisions that reflect the group's consensus. They must also be adept at managing time and keeping discussions on track without disregarding valuable input from the meeting participants.

How do you chair a meeting with confidence?

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To chair a meeting with confidence, start by thoroughly preparing the agenda and familiarizing yourself with the topics to be discussed. During the meeting, maintain a firm yet respectful control of the proceedings, encourage participation from shy or reticent members, and handle disruptions tactfully. Confident meeting chairs also display a calm demeanor, summarize discussions effectively, and make sure all decisions and action items are clearly noted before concluding.

What other terms are used for Meeting Chair?

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Besides 'Meeting Chair,' terms like 'chairperson,' 'president,' and sometimes 'moderator' are used interchangeably depending on the context and the formality of the meeting. In less formal settings, the term 'facilitator' might be used, which implies a role more focused on enabling discussion and participation rather than just leading it.

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