A Trust Based Theory of Leadership

There are many strategies, models, and schools of thought regarding decision-making. Yet it may be best to begin by identifying the wrong ways to make decisions. In my experience, there are at least three clear ways a leader should not use to make decisions. A. Dogmatically or Authoritatively. Possessing the authority to decide does not, by itself, justify making it. Nowhere is the adage “might does not make right”  more relevant than in leadership. In logic, one of the first

Excellent communication is often understood as the ability to write clearly and speak persuasively. Both are essential to leadership. Writing allows us to articulate our ideas with precision, while speaking gives us the power to inspire, persuade, and lead others. Yet, the most fundamental and often overlooked form of communication is active listening . Listening well requires humility, patience, and attention, qualities that many leaders find difficult to practice consistent

Leadership, first and foremost, must have a clear vision of where it wants to take the organization. This requires a deep understanding of two key elements: the industry in which one operates and the nature, traditions, and politics of the institution itself.  In higher education, the context matters profoundly. It makes a significant difference whether one is leading a large state university or a small private liberal arts college. The economic forces shaping these instituti

To build a collaborative team and establish an ecosystem that supports both short-term performance and long-term growth, excellent...

In higher education, leadership isn’t just about solving today’s problems. It’s about stewardship—making decisions that safeguard the...

I have served in higher academic leadership for over 20 years. During this time, I’ve learned a great deal about leadership—through experience, reading numerous books, attending conferences and workshops, and overcoming a variety of challenges as a leader. I’ve encountered many excellent leadership theories and strategies, many of which have helped me grow and succeed as a leader. Leadership is a deeply complex endeavor, one that can be approached from a variety of perspectiv

“Trust is the foundation of any thriving culture. It’s what allows people to collaborate, innovate, and bring their best selves to work...

The development of excellent leadership can be approached from several important perspectives. One essential perspective emphasizes the...

“Trust is the foundation of leadership. If people don’t trust you, they won’t follow you .” Sheryl Sandberg  (COO, Facebook) In my view, trust is foundational for success in any organization. Unfortunately, higher education suffers from a trust deficit . Not only has public trust in higher education suffered in recent years, but students also seem to lack trust in higher education administrators, including presidents. Why is this important? Trust has been positively linked