Exclusive programme for chairmen with SLID and IFC

The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) has partnered with IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, to conduct a chairing skills workshop exclusively for company chairmen on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. 

The programme is a collaboration between two international institutions. The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), London brings its unparalleled experience in conflict resolution and negotiation skills, while IFC has extensive experience in promoting good corporate governance practices worldwide. The workshop’s participants will learn how to use these skills in a boardroom context.

The programme 
will be conducted by CEDR Director and Lead Trainer James South and IFC Corporate Governance Dispute Resolution Practice Group Head Alexey Volynets.
SLID CEO Lilani Perera said the programme was in line with the SLID’s vision to contribute to the professional advancement of directors of Sri Lankan companies and foster a culture of leadership among them. This programme is the first of its kind in the country and offers Sri Lankan company chairmen a unique opportunity to attend a programme that is normally only available overseas. An effective chair is absolutely essential to manage a board’s business and to act as its facilitator and guide. While conducting meetings, the chair should maintain control of the proceedings without dominating discussion, treating all directors equally and facilitate decision-making by stimulating 
focused debate, drawing on all contributions and encouraging constructive discussion.

It is necessary to ensure that genuine disagreements are aired and resolved, while steering the board towards consensus. A good chair will aim for a consensus decision, not just one based on majority vote and ensures that the decisions made are properly understood and recorded. Effective facilitation is an enabling process in which the facilitator assists the group or individual to generate ideas, explore possibilities and make decisions about future action.