Academic Leadership

A Reflective Practice Guide for Community College Chairs

The true measure of your own leadership capacity is the extent to which you are able to support your team in becoming leaders themselves.

Community College Chairs have dual roles. On one hand, they need to manage their own and others’ work to advance the strategic and business directions and commitments of the college. On the other hand, they need to lead their department team in ways that mobilize, inspire and develop each individual, such that all employees are highly engaged in working to their full capacity. Complex, challenging and exciting, the Chair’s role is vital to the success of the college as a learning-centered organization.

This manual distills the practice wisdom of two seasoned academic leaders, providing a menu of reflective leadership practice activities, tools for eliciting feedback from others, and practical tips for creating a high-functioning and positive departmental culture. Illustrated throughout with personal leadership stories and case examples, the manual provides a roadmap to leadership success for both new and experienced Academic Chairs.