The Qualities and Characteristics of a Good Chairperson.

A chairperson should be:

• well-informed about the activities of the association and its current financial position
• able to represent the organisation at local, regional and national levels
• able to chair committee meetings and manage the general meetings, so that everybody has a chance to present their views
• well-informed about the agenda of the meeting and the items to be covered
• well prepared for the meeting
• able to ensure that the agenda of a meeting is followed, that all business is completed and that all decisions are properly understood and recorded
• able to keep a debate focused, avoiding any deviations
• able to ensure that planning and budgeting for the future are carried out in accordance with the wishes of the members
• unbiased and impartial and if personally involved in a matter prepared to give up the chair during that particular discussion
• a good listener, who is able to summarise the main points of a discussion
• able to communicate clearly and concisely to avoid confusion
• conversant with the constitution and standing orders of the association and with recommended procedure for the conduct of meetings
• diplomatic and helpful, and able to get the best out of the other committee members
• able to maintain the harmony of the committee or association, even when there is disagreement about the proposed course of action.

Source: runningsports -Quick Guides - the Role of the Chairperson