Nairobi, Feb. 1 -- The dictionary defines the word "chairman" as a person chosen to preside over a meeting. But it is imperative to note that there is no school that I know where "how to be a board chairman" is taught for at least a year, because that's how long it takes to get a good sense of what it takes.

You see an average board meets quarterly, providing an opportunity for the lady or gent to practise the chair craft at least four times a year. But the truth is, it takes more than four meetings to get the hang of chairing an organisation.

The hang of what, you ask? Herewith a couple of tips:

They speak last

While a chair should lead a discussion, what that leading entails is creating an open space for all voices in the room to be...