It’s like driving a car

When I’m trying to explain the differences between the CEO and the Chairman of an organization, I like to use this analogy: It’s like the two of them are driving a car.

The CEO must be allowed to operate the throttle and steer the car. The chairman sits in the passenger seat. He’s there to stamp on the brakes or grab the wheel if required. The chairman and the board should be consulted on the destination, but they must not interfere while the CEO is driving, and they should leave the actual route to the executive team.