Date: March 27^th to April 17^th (4-week course)
Location: Online
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm (ET), every Thursday
Price: Early-bird offering ends on March 13^th, 2025
Standard Price: CAD$ 1,695.95

About the Program:

Being an effective chair is a complex, multifaceted role. Leading meetings, navigating varied personalities, and fostering unity can be challenging tasks when critical decisions are on the line. This 4-week course is designed to equip board and committee chairs – as well directors and leaders – with both the scientific frameworks and the nuanced "art" skills needed to guide meetings successfully. The program focuses on mastering interpersonal dynamics, unifying diverse perspectives, and ensuring productive outcomes.

Why This Program Stands Out:

This course allows you to apply your knowledge immediately through live, interactive simulations. A unique feature of this program is the inclusion of professional actors who portray various CEO and Board Member archetypes – played by Wolfgang Vachon, a seasoned actor and governance expert. This engaging, hands-on format provides a dynamic environment where you’ll refine your “people skills” as you respond in real time to realistic boardroom scenarios. The program is not only enlightening but also refreshingly fun, thanks to these immersive role-play sessions.

“If I could rate Wolfgang ‘excellent +’, I would! The whole series was very useful. The opportunities to role-play were particularly useful.”
^{Mary Ann Hannant – Board Member, Co-Operative Housing Federation of Canada}

Mastering the Art of Chairing: Beyond the Basics

It’s often said that chairing is both a science and an art – but while the science can be learned, the art is where many chairs struggle. In fact, the top reason chairs falter is because they haven’t yet developed the nuanced skills required to lead effectively. Here’s what commonly holds them back:

• Discomfort with handling dissent and navigating tough conversations
• Difficulty facilitating productive dialogue, building consensus, and reframing complex issues
• Challenges in connecting with and managing diverse personality types
• A lack of effective methods to drive and sustain change
• An inability to apply the techniques of chairing with nuance and confidence

The good news? These skills can be learned and mastered!

In this program, you’ll gain practical tools to transform your leadership as a chair:

• Understand and Engage with Different Personality Types: Learn how to identify, connect with, and inspire a range of personalities and problem-solving preferences.
• Master the Science of Effective Chairing: Apply key techniques for leading meetings, handling dissent, and knowing precisely when to call for the vote.
• Manage Underperformance and Elevate Board Dynamics: Develop strategies for addressing under-performing board members and steering clear of common pitfalls in peer and CEO evaluations.
• Build Consensus, Resolve Disputes, and Lead Change: Hone methods for creating alignment, resolving conflicts, and guiding the board through change with confidence.

“It was very useful information, and I loved the way the DISC personalities were used to enhance the experience.”
^{Moni Snell – Council President, College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan}

Program Schedule:

March 27^th | The Role of the Chair in the Governance of the Organization
Explore both the scientific and artistic aspects of effective chairing.

April 3^rd | Personalities: Recognizing and Working with the Four Main Types
Learn how to quickly assess personality types for better interpersonal communication and take part in a practical workshop to apply this skill.

April 10^th | Leading Difficult Conversations
Experience an in-camera meeting, tackling real-life boardroom challenges as you discuss a CEO performance issue.

April 17^th | When to Call for the Vote
Work with your board to decide on a strategic direction and practice the art of calling for a vote.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for Board and Committee Chairs, Board Members, Senior Directors, and Senior Leaders who aim to enhance their leadership effectiveness in a collaborative setting.

Group Discount Available:
Good governance is best when it’s a shared effort. Group discounts are available for teams of 5 or more. Contact Rafael Mazotine at mazotine@governancesolutions.ca for discount codes or to arrange an invoice.

Missed a Session?
Don’t worry! Replays, handouts, and presentations are available on your materials page for one year after the course.

Cancellation Policy: The registration fee is non-refundable for cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the program’s first live session. In this case, you may either transfer your registration fee, once, to a similarly priced seminar future training course, or arrange for a substitute person to attend. Those who do not cancel and do not attend are responsible for the full registration fee. Governance Solutions reserves the right to cancel or reschedule and will give notice in advance.