Chairing a board competently is a proactive undertaking, and the range of activities and responsibilities that a chairman must perform is huge. There are many issues to be considered and skills to be mastered. Drawing on contributions from chairmen from both the commercial and non-commercial sectors, this book covers every possible topic including: the board's proper role, focusing on strategic issues, monitoring the enterprise, shareholders and stakeholders, board composition, managing the board's business, managing board relationships, and assessing and improving effectiveness. Fully revised and updated, this new edition is required reading for anyone chairing a board who wants to examine the range of their activities, and achieve improved levels of competence in the role.