As a leader in higher education for over two decades, I've come to realize that leadership isn't about titles or positions, it?s about mindset. A true leader is someone who inspires, motivates, and empowers others while continuously seeking growth and improvement. Over the years, I've adopted and practiced certain principles that have helped me not only become a better leader but also build more effective teams. Here, I?ll share the 10 mindsets that I believe are essential for shaping exceptional leadership in any environment, especially in higher education.
1. It?s Not About You
Leadership is not about the title you hold, the accolades you receive, or the recognition you get. True leadership is about putting the team first and focusing on collective success. I?ve always made it a point to lead by example and empower those around me, whether it?s my team in admissions or my colleagues across the institutions that I?ve worked for. I?ve learned that when your team wins, you win. In my role, this has meant stepping back at times, allowing others to take the spotlight, and celebrating their successes, knowing that the overall goals are achieved as a team.
2. Be a "Why" Finder
One of the most powerful things I?ve learned in leadership is the importance of helping others understand the "why" behind their work. It?s easy for people to go through the motions when they don?t see the bigger picture. I?ve always worked with my team to ensure that they understand how their roles fit into the broader mission of the institution. This "why" is the driving force behind their motivation and success. For instance, when working with prospective students, it?s important to emphasize how our admissions work contributes to student success, the future of the university, and, ultimately, to society. This connection keeps the team?s efforts meaningful and impactful.
3. Listen, Then Speak
Great leaders know that the best ideas often come from those who aren?t talking the loudest. Throughout my career, I?ve learned the importance of listening - really listening - to my team. Whether it?s a student?s concern, a colleague?s input, or a team member?s suggestion, I?ve found that by truly listening, I can make better, more informed decisions. Early in my leadership journey, I remember being eager to share my thoughts and solutions, but I quickly realized that great ideas often came from the quietest voices. I?ve made it a practice to give my team the space to speak up and share their perspectives, making sure I listen before responding.
4. Fail Fast and Loudly
We often hear the phrase "fail forward," but what does that really mean? For me, it?s about owning mistakes, learning from them, and creating an environment where failure isn?t feared but seen as an opportunity for growth. I?ve had my fair share of mistakes, especially early in my leadership career, when I thought I had to be perfect. Over time, I learned that transparency about failure is essential. When I made mistakes, I owned them, shared the lessons learned, and encouraged my team to take calculated risks without the fear of failure. This culture of openness has led to stronger collaboration and innovation within my team.
5. Lead from the Trenches
Leadership isn?t about sitting in an office while others do the heavy lifting. I?ve always believed in leading from the front, and that often means getting into the trenches with your team. Whether it?s handling a challenging admissions cycle or dealing with a tough situation on campus, I?ve always rolled up my sleeves and worked alongside my team. By doing so, I?ve gained deeper insights into the day-to-day challenges they face, and this has made me a more empathetic and effective leader. It also builds trust, when your team sees you putting in the effort right beside them, they?re more likely to give their best.
6. Stay Uncomfortable
Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. This is something I?ve learned over time and continue to practice. As leaders, we need to embrace discomfort and challenges. I?ve taken on roles and tasks that initially made me uncomfortable, whether it was managing a new campus or tackling a difficult project like planning graduation. But each time, it led to personal and professional growth. Embracing discomfort has also taught me to encourage my team to take on challenges that push their limits. This fosters growth not just for individuals but for the entire team.
7. Be the Calm in Chaos
I?ve been in countless situations where things were chaotic, like admissions deadlines, student crises, and university-wide changes. In those moments, it?s easy to panic. But as a leader, I?ve learned the importance of staying calm. The team looks to you for stability, and if you remain composed, it instills confidence in others. There have been many times when staying calm in a storm was the best decision, especially when navigating through difficult situations that required a measured, thoughtful response.
8. Say the Hard Stuff
Honesty is crucial in leadership, and sometimes that means saying things that may not be easy to hear. Early on, I found it challenging to give tough feedback or have uncomfortable conversations, but I realized that honest communication is key to growth. Whether it?s constructive feedback or having tough conversations about performance, it?s always important to approach it with care and clarity. I?ve learned that being direct, yet empathetic, helps my team grow and evolve, and it creates an open, transparent environment.
9. Play the Long Game
I?ve always believed in playing the long game, especially in higher education. It?s easy to get caught up in short-term goals, but true leadership is about building relationships and trust that last. In admissions, for example, success isn?t about just meeting immediate targets but about creating lasting connections with prospective students, parents and staff. I focus on relationships, creating a culture of trust and collaboration that ensures long-term success, not just quick wins. The long game is what sustains success over time.
10. Be Real and Honest
Authenticity has been one of the most important principles I?ve embraced in leadership. It?s easy to try to be perfect or put on a mask, but the best leaders are those who are real and honest. I?ve found that when I?m authentic and transparent with my team, it fosters a deeper sense of trust. It?s more powerful than trying to be someone I?m not. I?ve always strived to be genuine in my interactions, and this has helped me build stronger relationships and a more cohesive team.
Leadership isn?t about titles or authority, it?s about mindset, and it?s a continuous journey of growth, learning, and improving. The 10 mindsets I?ve shared have guided me throughout my career, and I continue to learn from them every day. As leaders, it?s our responsibility to model these mindsets, empower our teams, and create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
I?d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!