The role of leadership legacy
What is the role of leadership legacy in addressing critical issues in higher education?
I found this question interesting and the reasons thought-provoking! In response to your question, and the challenges we face,I read that The National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good (National Forum) has provided research and leadership in support of a national movement to “transform the relationship between higher education and U.S. society.†This work began in 2000, prompted by several studies that suggested that the American public was losing faith in higher education institutions; that state and federal financial investment was declining relative to other expenditures; that colleges and universities reported increasing pressures to privatize their operations and to restrict access in order to reduce costs; and that the deeper traditions of an American culture built on widespread opportunity, freedom of ideas, and civic engagement were threatened. These challenges were further documented through a wide range of public opinion surveys, concentrated literature reviews, focus group findings, and interviews with leaders inside and outside higher education.
K.C., Interesting! How do each of these effect higher education, specifically?
Dr. Jean Norris
K.C., Wow! What great points. How will you impact each of these?
Dr. Jean Norris
Here are some important points: 1. Building Public Understanding and Support for Higher Education’s Civic Mission and Actions
2. Cultivating Networks and Partnerships that will Work Toward the Changes we Envision
3. Infusing Civic Engagement and Public Service into the Culture of Higher Learning
4. Embedding Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility in the Structure of the Higher Education System
In International events, both political and economic, we can see a very tumultuous period ahead. Domestically, we face challenges that were inherited from the last century such as immigration, economic transformation, environmental sustainability and continued disparities in health and education.
Steven, Great! Keep it up and keep reaching toward your goals!
Dr. Jean Norris
Right now -- much of my legacy is task based. I am involved in many small projects requiring I strike deadlines and do things perfectly. So, right now, I am limited to building a legacy along the dimension of being someone who can face the deadline and get it done, and done correctly.
After this phase, I intend to build part of the legacy about the the development of a writing department. So, that's the next step :)
Steven, It's true that building a legacy is continuous. What can you do specifically to build your leadership legacy?
Dr. Jean Norris
Actually, a good question that depends upon the context in which you apply it! The role will change depending upon the maturity and stability of an institution. For example, a legacy in a young/developing institution need not match those found in mature institutions. Younger institutions may have a need for legacies oriented around program creation, service implementation, and compliance efforts. Mature intuitions can afford the luxury of building upon such legacies as to build a legacy of research and service. Thus, the role may change from place to place.
Nonetheless, I would guess that the theme common to all of higher education would be that the building of a legacy should result in some kind of continuous or stepwise improvement. Somehow, someway, as people build legacies and mesh them into the goals of the school, the meshing should improve the quality and experience of education for all involved.
As for how it manifests, that depends upon the skill sets, mission statements, goals, and all the attributes of those involved. No matter, the end result of legacy creation and reflection should yield a better, more efficient, and measurable change benefiting students, faculty, staff, and supporting environment.
David, That is great awareness. A lot of the scrutiny today has to do with a generalization. What, do you think, will be your leadership legacy?
Dr. Jean Norris
John, Excellent awareness. As they say, there is no "I" in team, and even leaders needs support! Thank you for sharing.
Dr. Jean Norris
Simply put, ones leadership legacy will provide direction and focus in many areas where ever applied. In this case, higher education issues can be addressed by determining the personal impact and effect of what you do has on others within the industry. I'm reminded of the fact that I have had to "defend" our industry several times because of the poor, very poor, job that another institution did when trying to serve a student. The results of that student's experience with the other school resulted in their having an opinion of the industry as a whole. What we do impacts the greater good or bad of the industry as a whole.
I think the role of leadership legacy is to work with their teams to find solutions. The difference here is that we should not expect that the leaders themselves are able to find the solutions on their own. It will have to be a team effort, that the leaders should direct.
Lacei, What great awareness when you say, "making the tough call on a students' ability to begin a program is very hard as it conflicts with our motivators and job description." Helping a student graduate starts will measuring their ability to succeed, and it's clear that is your motivation. Thank you for sharing this in the forum.
Dr. Jean Norris
Dave, This is such an interesting idea, thank you for sharing! What has the feedback been from the students?
Dr. Jean Norris
Traci, I agree with your post. Not only does a leadership legacy show how he or she wants to be lead, but it gives a stretch goal to the person writing it, which holds them accountable to a higher standard both now and going forward.
I agree with the course content and discussion about the biggest challenge in higher education being completion rates; it starts at the beginning! Being an Admissions Director, sometimes making the tough call on a students' ability to begin a program is very hard as it conflicts with our motivators and job description. If positioned and presented correctly, that 'tough call' student can complete a few things to ensure his/her initial and long term success (e.g. sitting in on a class two or three times a session or completing assignments that will indicate their success (e.g. writing an essay, revamping their resume, complete market research on their chosen field of study). My Leadership Legacy contains being transparent and trustworthy from department to department. Not often does a 'tough call' student enter our department, but when they do, we do our due diligence to ensure they are ready and that we are the right 'fit' for them.
Traci, I appreciate and agree with your statement on modeling professional behaviors. I believe that it is a critical aspect of our leadership legacy to do just that. We have actually started a new award program where each program director nominates a student in their program each term for a professionalism award. At the beginning of each block the students receive brief instruction as it relates to professionalism in the classroom and the work place. We discuss academic integrity, attendance, dress, language and other personal habits and relate it to their chosen careers. The students gain an understanding that the way they perform in the classroom is a reflection of how they will perform in the workplace. Hopefully they gain one more tool to help ensure their success!
Great suggestions, Heather. Have you had experience with this type of leadership? It sounds close to home for you.
Dr. Jean Norris
Leaders can stay ahead of the curve by getting involved in community leadership groups so they are exposed to other leaders who can identify their training and employment needs.
Leaders also need to stay close to state education programs and get involved in discussions that may have a direct impact on your students.
A very grass roots approach is to just have periodic roundtable discussions with local employers or advisor boards and ask them what they are looking for in their employees and work together to address those needs.
