HigherEdJobs Podcast Ask the Expert: How Do You Become Less of a Doer and More of a Leader?
May 6, 2025
Gretchen Bataille, a seasoned higher education leader and former president of the University of North Texas, shares invaluable insights on shifting from a doer to a leader. She discusses the importance of delegation and building trust within teams to combat micromanagement. Gretchen emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize effectively in a heavy workload environment, fostering collaboration and open communication. She highlights the significance of active engagement, urging leaders to tackle critical issues head-on while empowering their teams.
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Gretchen Bataille's Career Journey
- Gretchen Bataille shared her unconventional career path starting as a master's degree holder and rising to university president.
- Personal challenges, like relocating for family and losing her partner, shaped her experiences and perspective in higher ed leadership.
Master Delegation and Leadership
- Delegate tasks to empower staff and avoid micromanagement, which undermines teamwork.
- As a leader, be informed, set clear agendas, and guide decision-making including tough, non-negotiable issues.
Build Trust to Delegate
- Trust your team until they prove otherwise, but address breaches openly and swiftly.
- Building trust is key to effective delegation and leadership success.