Board chairs are often called upon to guide their boards through moments when the path forward is not immediately clear. Whether facing strategic uncertainty, complex tradeoffs, or highly consequential decisions, the chair plays a critical role in preparing the board to engage mindfully with difficult issues.

In this session, we will explore practical approaches that the chair can take to facilitate how the board can consider multiple perspectives, distinguish strategic from operational decisions, and navigate through risk and uncertainty. Chairs will learn how to bring a board towards consensus and a path forward—even when initial discussions reveal differing viewpoints. Chairs will leave with tools to support thoughtful, timely decision-making while keeping the board anchored to the school’s mission and values.