Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University, discusses the concept of strengths and their impact. They explore topics such as understanding and utilizing strengths, the importance of deep thought and big ideas, developing a selective admissions process, and addressing the loneliness crisis through personal connection.
President Gee emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing one's strengths, citing the Clifton StrengthsFinder as a valuable tool.
President Gee highlights the significance of creating hope and building engaged communities, particularly in higher education.
Deep dives
The Power of Strengths in Shaping a University
In this episode of Leading with Strings, Gallup CEO, John Clifton, interviews Gordon Gee, president of West Virginia University. President Gee discusses the transformative potential of education and the vital role universities play in society. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing one's strengths, citing the Clifton StrengthsFinder as a valuable tool. President Gee shares his own top five strengths and how they have influenced his leadership style, particularly in leading through change. He emphasizes the need for universities to adapt, overcome complacency, and create a positive culture. President Gee also discusses the importance of critical thinking, continuous learning, and building strong communities. He shares personal experiences, challenges faced, and offers advice to aspiring leaders. One key focus is the creation of a major initiative at West Virginia University centered around strengths, aimed at helping students identify their strengths and apply them for personal and professional success. President Gee highlights the positive impact this program can have, empowering students and building hope for the future.
Overcoming Resistance and Leading Change
President Gee reflects on his experiences as a university president and the challenges faced in implementing change. He discusses the resistance encountered when transforming Ohio State University into a more selective institution, and how he used his learner and arranger strengths to develop strategies and persuade others. President Gee emphasizes the need for speed and decisiveness in leadership, while also valuing different perspectives and assembling a diverse team with complementary strengths. He shares the importance of building a positive culture and fostering strong relationships within the university community. President Gee also encourages aspiring leaders to persist, maintain a thick skin, and stay focused on their goals.
Creating an Engaged and Hopeful Community
President Gee highlights the significance of creating hope and building engaged communities, particularly in higher education. He discusses how the strengths of woo, arranger, and learner have shaped his leadership approach and enabled him to connect with students, faculty, and staff. President Gee emphasizes the value of being present, listening, and actively engaging with others to understand their perspectives and aspirations. He speaks on the importance of putting students first and using the strengths program as a means to empower them. President Gee also discusses the impact of loneliness and the need for genuine human connections, urging individuals to prioritize in-person interactions and meaningful conversations to combat feelings of isolation.
The Power of Curiosity and Continuous Learning
President Gee highlights the strength of learner and his passion for continuous learning. He shares his reading habits, which include biographies and a range of topics, to stay informed and expand his knowledge. President Gee emphasizes the importance of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, urging aspiring leaders to continue learning throughout their lives. He also advises leaders to surround themselves with individuals who have different strengths and perspectives, fostering a collaborative and diverse environment. President Gee shares personal anecdotes, including humorous stories, to illustrate the impact of his strengths on his leadership style and his commitment to remain connected to a wide network of friends.
In this episode, we have the honor of welcoming Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University. A distinguished educator, visionary leader, and advocate for higher education, President Gee's contributions have left a permanent mark on the realms of academia, innovation, and community engagement.
His experiences have been shaped by a commitment to excellence, a passion for fostering intellectual curiosity, and a deep understanding of the vital role universities play in shaping society. Through his leadership, we have gained a deeper appreciation for the transformative potential that education holds and the vital role it plays in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
President Gee’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Intellection, Learner, Achiever, Arranger and Woo.
For more interviews visit leadingwithstrengths.com
Transcripts available upon request.
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