A successful chair of the board performs a wide range of activities and responsibilities. Drawing on the experiences of chairmen in both commercial and noncommercial sectors, this book covers everything from meetings to managing relationships, office politics and board performance. It is full of real-life case studies, making it a comprehensive, practical guide with sections on the proper role of the board, strategic issue, monitoring the enterprise, shareholders and stakeholders, board composition, managing the board's business, managing board relationships and assessing and improving effectiveness. This new edition is required reading for anyone chairing a board who wants to examine the responsibilities of the position and to improve his or her performance. Endorsed by the Institute of Directors