Notes from the University President

These past three months I have heard our university president engage with faculty, student and staff on several occasions.   Following is a summary of a few “leadership lessons” for our president:

• be a good listener – be sure to learn the culture of the institution
• make informed decisions
• be respectful – express ‘thank you’
• communication is extremely important – communicate in multiple ways
• bring out the best in others
• the tone of the organization starts at the top – be positive and optimistic all of the time
• integrity is key
• the university’s vision must be built together
• encourage people to take thoughtful risk – ‘Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good”
• celebrate success
• empower good role models
• process matters – particularly in higher education

Some strategies for understanding the culture of an organization

• build a ‘listening tour’ asking questions about how to build on our strengths
• ask for briefing books – gives you a who’s who and a history
• engage people outside the university to give the discussion a different perspective

Importance of ‘Difficult Conversations’

• give others the time to talk
• get their perspective
• there is a difference between performance and the person
• be clear about expectations (facts)
• the time/place of the meeting is important

Suggestions for young people:

1. exceed the expectations of your boss
2. ask your boss – “how can I help?”