Ever wonder what it takes to be a successful leader?
Do you know what kind of leadership qualities successful higher education professionals embody?
What is the leadership self-identity of women college presidents?
12 women college presidents were interviewed in order to explore their leadership self-identity:
Major themes that continually repeated were a necessary of balance, the importance of physical appearance, reflection and acknowledging the huge time commitment.
Balance:
- Embracing weaknesses and strengths without losing competence or credibility
- Understanding self-confidence and missteps are compatible
- Language can divide as well as unite
- Leadership includes loneliness and distance from subordinates as well as connection and praise
- Being a collaborator versus a change agent
Physical Appearance:
- Self-presentation as the living logo of their institution
Reflection:
- Use for self-renewal
- Engage in curiosity
- Alignment between identity and work
Time Commitments:
- “There is no life outside of a presidency.”
- Having to prioritize
Full text here (Stony Brook Net ID & Password may be required)
