21. Words of Wisdom for Provosts: A Conversation with John Shoup and Troy Hinrichs

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. John Shoup and Dr. Troy Hinrichs discuss the concept of wisdom in leadership, particularly in the context of higher education. They explore how wisdom is defined, its importance for leaders, and practical ways to cultivate it. The discussion emphasizes the role of reflection in decision-making and addresses the challenges of ethical dilemmas faced by academic leaders. The conversation highlights the need for a balance between knowledge and wisdom, and the importance of fostering a culture of inquiry and reflection within educational institutions. This conversation explores the themes of wisdom, mentorship, and ethical decision-making in higher education leadership. The speakers discuss the importance of navigating dilemmas, the role of wisdom in guiding provosts, and practical steps to create a culture of wisdom on campus. They emphasize the need for humility, the value of mentorship, and the significance of teaching wisdom to both faculty and students. The discussion concludes with personal book recommendations that have influenced their perspectives on leadership and wisdom.Takeaways• Wisdom is crucial for making consequential judgment calls.• Leaders should embody the philosopher king model.• Cultivating wisdom involves understanding multiple storylines.• Reflection is key to developing wisdom in leaders.• Experience alone does not equate to wisdom.