The leadership of educational institutions in general, and universities in particular, includes a variety of leadership styles that relate to managing university policies skillfully and effectively to achieve what is most important: building bridges between people and departments, ably dealing with conflict and negotiation, acting courageously in critical leadership moments, and communicating with people in a way that inspires their confidence and commitment. Furthermore, each leadership style has unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Influential university leaders often use a combination of methods depending on the situation and the needs of their followers. Below, we will look at key leadership skills that university presidents need, as well as effective leadership styles in universities.
Essential leadership skills that university presidents need
1. Autonomous driving
By learning how to develop resilience, self-awareness, and ambiguity management, university leaders can express their values, reflect on their standards, and own their behavior. This develops their ability to act wisely and courageously in dangerous situations and to appear in critical situations.
2. Leading others
Successful university presidents must negotiate, deal with conflict, influence and persuade, trusting relationships and authentic connections with their peers. In this way, they develop their people and recognize and celebrate each individual’s values, experiences, and strengths.
3. Strategic leadership
By facilitating the flow and sharing of information within and across organizational boundaries, strategic university leaders can learn how to skillfully and effectively manage policy to achieve what matters most and build bridges between people, departments, and divisions. They can manage crises and change and scan the horizon for future opportunities and challenges.
The most effective leadership styles in universities
1. Servant leadership
University presidents who embrace this approach prioritize the needs of faculty and staff and support them in achieving their goals and personal development. They practice empathy, collaboration, trust-building, respectful decision-making, and active listening. They work to create a collaborative work environment by empowering, uplifting, and creating a culture that reinforces creativity, growth, and a sense of community.
2. Reliable driving
Trusted university leaders create and communicate compelling visions for the future, encourage innovation and creativity, and empower faculty and staff to take ownership of their work and embrace change. They also gain respect, consider decisions’ ethical and moral consequences, and provide incentives that increase motivation. They are often inspiring while increasing their self-confidence by revealing their talents and skills.
3. Ethical leadership
Implementing ethical leadership in universities engages faculty and staff to create an inspiring vision, a heightened sense of ethical values, and a focus on the viability and sustainability of the university as an educational institution. A university president who adopts this approach seeks to create a work environment that fosters a sense of purpose, community, and self-actualization.
Less effective leadership styles in universities
1. Transactional leadership
This approach can be effective when tasks are well-defined, and the focus is on achieving immediate results. However, it could be more effective in situations that require long-term vision, creativity, or innovation, which is one reason why it is less effective in an academic setting.
2. Passive leadership
In this approach, university presidents provide minimal direction and supervision to their teams. They don’t get involved, avoid talking to their employees, and fail to set performance standards. They may be viewed as ineffective, unwilling, or unable to make decisions independently because they need to gain knowledge and experience. Thus, hostile university leaders do not provide the guidance and support many employees need to achieve their goals.
Areas that university presidents must achieve in universities
- Enhance the decision-making process by promoting open communication and collaboration among diverse faculty, administrators, staff, and sometimes students.
- Protect academic freedom and support the independence of faculty members to pursue their research and teaching interests without fear of retaliation.
- Meet the educational institution’s needs while prioritizing student success and well-being and access to resources and support services. In addition, ensure that curricula and teaching methods are current and that desired goals are achieved.
- Be proficient resource and relationship managers to ensure sufficient funds are available to achieve the academic mission through grant support, government relations, and donor management.
- Promote awareness of multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusion through culturally responsive approaches to teaching and faculty and student experience that support all community members.
- Achieving a balance between institutional traditions and supporting innovation, innovative and creative research, and scientific activities to adapt to changing educational, research, and technological trends.
- Create a positive and collaborative campus culture by encouraging working together, sharing ideas, and supporting professional growth among everyone.
- Addressing societal issues by promoting research and developing solutions to address the world’s most pressing challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.
Developing effective leadership styles in universities is extremely important, as it helps university presidents promote a positive learning environment and contribute to society’s progress.
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