Jorge Bermicky, an assistant professor at Howard University specializing in leadership among Latino men, and Kevin McClure, associate professor at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, dive into the crucial competencies for effective college presidency. They discuss the importance of listening and resilience, and how these traits can transform executive roles. The conversation highlights the need for trust, emotional intelligence, and authentic narratives to foster broader representation in leadership. They also explore the post-pandemic shifts in student affairs and the importance of support networks.
Effective leadership in higher education requires a set of seven interconnected competencies, including emotional intelligence and resilience.
Listening is fundamental for college presidents, enabling them to build trust and foster a culture of communication within their institutions.
Data acumen, which encompasses storytelling and communication skills, is essential for leaders to make complex information relatable to stakeholders.
Deep dives
The Importance of Listening as a Leader
Listening is not just an action but a foundational skill for effective leadership. Leaders must not only listen on an individual level but also gather feedback across their organizations and take actionable steps based on that feedback. This kind of listening fosters trust and demonstrates to colleagues that their concerns are valued and addressed. Developing systems to facilitate this broader listening approach is essential for creating a culture of communication and collaboration.
Emerging Competencies for College Presidents
A recent study identified seven critical competencies that are essential for modern college presidents. These competencies include emotional intelligence, data acumen, trust building, and resilience, among others. The research underscores that effective leadership transcends management skills, as it involves understanding the emotional and operational dynamics of an institution. Ensuring that these competencies are interconnected is vital, as each aspect is crucial to navigating the complexities of today's higher education environment.
Resilience Redefined in Leadership
Resilience among college presidents is more about building a supportive network than merely demonstrating toughness or grit. Effective leaders cultivate relationships with peers, family, and community that help them navigate challenges in their roles. This support can include professional connections, faith communities, and personal relationships that provide guidance and encouragement. By framing resilience as the ability to seek help and rely on others, it allows leaders to confront difficulties more effectively and healthily.
The Role of Data Acumen in Leadership
Data acumen is increasingly recognized as a crucial competency for college presidents, encompassing more than just proficiency with numbers. It involves the ability to translate complex data into compelling narratives that resonate with various stakeholders. Effective leaders leverage storytelling to contextualize data, making it accessible and relevant to their audiences, whether they are faculty, students, or community members. This competency highlights the need for leaders to not only understand data but also to communicate its implications effectively.
Humility and Help-Seeking Behaviors
Humility emerges as a significant attribute for effective leadership, facilitating collaboration and fostering trust within institutions. Leaders who acknowledge their limitations and seek help not only enrich their decision-making but also model vulnerability for their teams. Presidents of color, in particular, tend to exhibit strong help-seeking behaviors, shaped by their awareness of historical and structural barriers. By fostering a culture of openness and support, effective leaders empower their teams and contribute to a more inclusive and responsive institutional environment.
Drs. Jorge Burmicky and Kevin McClure discuss their research on effective leadership in higher education. They bring quantitative and qualitative data to help us understand the challenges and competencies of successful college presidents. They discuss the seven interconnected competencies and ways to develop them for more effective executive leadership in higher education and beyond.
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