Academic

Faculty Leadership

By Jacqueline Lipton

I attended a seminar on university leadership today.  Here's some random impressions. 

1. We did lots of talking about the importance of listening (but not much actual listening).  I guess that's to be expected in a short program with a lot of speakers.

2. One of the major themes was that a good leader enables and facilitates gifted faculty and students to achieve their goals - doesn't dictate to them.

3. Another interesting theme was the idea of collective ownership of a university and its issues and collective responsibility to make positive changes, regardless of whether one has a formal title.

4. There was some brief discussion of the expanding literature and practice developing around the theme of "leading change". Would like to hear more on this, particularly in these troubled economic times.

5. An interesting comment was made that effective leaders generally impact others positively and create dynamic cultures around them.

6. There was some talk about the importance of mentoring at all levels - and the recognition that junior and senior faculty and staff need mentors.

7. It was recognized that high level leaders at the central university should aim to demonstrate integrity and transparency to the maximum extent possible.

So maybe none of this is news to anyone, but it did get me thinking about some questions about law faculty leadership for which I don't have any good answers (as usual), but I'd be interested in others' thoughts (naturally.)

(a) Should Deans and Associate Deans continue to write and teach?  Does it help them to do their jobs?  Or does it detract from their administrative work?  Is it important to maintain a hand in teaching and writing for that often-not-too-distant time when they might return to a standard faculty position, presuming they aren't crazy enough to want to become Provosts and University Presidents?

(b) What are the perceived negatives of taking on formal leadership roles within a faculty?  Anxiety about the burden of too much work?  Too much responsibility?  Concern that faculty governance should be bottom-up rather than top-down so colleagues may be suspicious or distrustful of formal leaders (accepting, of course, that SOMEONE's got to be the Dean!  Or do they....?)

Full post as published by The Faculty Lounge on July 22, 2009 (boomark / email).