A Trust Based Theory of Leadership

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

Excellent communication is often understood in terms of oral and written expression. There is no question that the ability to write clearly and concisely is crucial to one’s success as a leader. Likewise, the ability to articulate thoughts persuasively and passionately is an essential quality of leadership. However, active listening is a form of communication that is even more fundamental than speaking or writing, and it is often the most challenging for leaders to master. T

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 leadership is essential. While it is vital for institutional employees to trust their leaders as individuals, that alone is not enough. People must also trust their leaders’ ability to lead—specifically, their vision for the institution. This distinction is critical: a leader may possess integrity and honesty, which may earn him personal trust an

In higher education, leadership isn’t just about solving today’s problems. It’s about stewardship—making decisions that safeguard the institution’s future long after you’re gone. The truth is, anyone can celebrate short-term wins like enrollment growth. But if you’re not building the infrastructure for tomorrow—academic programs, strong leadership, and an adaptive culture—you’re setting the institution up for eventual failure. Good stewardship means asking tough questions: Wh

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 every day.”   Satya Nadella  (CEO, Microsoft). The conception of culture is nebulous and difficult to define. Both successful and unsuccessful cultures are difficult to measure. However, interestingly, they are easy to recognize, since when you are in an institution or unit with a bad culture, you know it. When you are in an institution or un

The development of excellent leadership can be approached from several important perspectives. One essential perspective emphasizes the leader's personal habits and virtues . This view is common in discussions about leadership qualities and traits. Characteristics such as initiative, discipline, consistency, focus, high standards, and courage often come to the forefront. Here, I will explain why this popular approach is limited. Exceptional leaders are defined by their abilit

“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