How Chairs & Vice-Chairs Shape Culture from the Top Down
How Chairs & Vice-Chairs Shape Culture from the Top Down - written by Karen Moore, Interim Executive & founder of Karen Moore Biz
Chairs and Vice-Chairs can play a vital role in driving the culture of a charity from the top down. As leaders, the Board sets the strategic direction and cultural tone of the organisation. The Chair or Vice Chair define core values, establish ethical standards, and embed these into the charity's mission and vision. The CEO then brings the Board's strategic vision to life through daily operations, policy implementation, and staff management, ensuring alignment with the charity's values and goals.
So how does the Chair ensure that the board is living and demonstrating the values set?
During Meetings: Foster an environment of respect, transparency, and collaboration. It’s important to use different techniques to encourage open dialogue, actively listen to diverse perspectives, and make values-driven decisions.
Decision-Making: Ethical decision-making is key; Chairs should consider the impact on all stakeholders and ensure actions align with organisational values.
Beyond Meetings: The culture set at the top should resonate throughout the organisation. Lead by example, recognise and reward value-aligned behaviour, and address any misalignments.
But what happens when it goes wrong? What should you be looking out for?
Alignment of Values: Ensuring that the organisation's stated values are genuinely reflected in everyday actions and decisions can be difficult. It's one thing to have values written down, but another to live them consistently.
Communication: Maintaining clear, open, and honest communication across all levels of the organisation is a common challenge. Miscommunication or lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings and a breakdown in trust.
Inclusivity and Diversity: Creating a truly inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and respected requires ongoing effort and commitment. It's not just about hiring diverse talent but also fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and appreciated.
Employee Engagement: Keeping employees motivated and engaged, especially in times of change or uncertainty, can be tough. Organisations need to find ways to connect with their employees and make them feel invested in the Charity’s success.
Work-Life Balance: Promoting a healthy work-life balance is crucial but often challenging, especially in high-pressure environments. Organisations need to support their employees' well-being while still meeting strategic objectives.
Adaptability: Cultivating a culture that embraces change and innovation can be difficult. Resistance to change is natural, but organisations need to encourage flexibility and a growth mindset.
Conflict Resolution: Effectively managing and resolving conflicts in a way that maintains respect and trust is a significant challenge. Organisations need to have clear processes and trained leaders to handle disputes constructively.
Recognition and Reward: Ensuring that employees feel recognised and rewarded for their contributions is essential for a positive culture. However, finding the right balance and methods to acknowledge achievements can be tricky.
Whilst the CEO is key to shaping an organisation’s culture, the role of the Chair, Vice-Chair and board cannot be understated. Effective leadership from Chairs and Vice-Chairs can shape a positive and sustainable culture within charities.
Our latest Chairs Network Scotland event explores this topic thoroughly, through engaging discussions and shared learning, you'll gain valuable insights and practical strategies to inspire and guide your organisation through challenging times. Book your place here.
