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Leadership Insights
If you’ve ever sat at your desk—perhaps after a long faculty meeting or a complex departmental shuffle—and thought, “I’m kind of just winging this,” you aren’t alone. In higher education, leadership often happens organically. We are researchers, educators, and specialists who suddenly find ourselves responsible for people, budgets, and departmental culture.
It’s a transition that can leave even the most seasoned experts feeling like they’re improvising. But here is the secret: Recognizing that you want to be more intentional is actually a significant leadership strength. It means that you are ready to move from being an “unexamined leader” to one with a clear, authentic philosophy.
Shift Your Framing: Start with a Values Audit
Developing a leadership philosophy doesn’t require a library of management textbooks. It starts with a Values Audit—reflecting on the principles that already guide your best work. To uncover your core leadership values this week, try these two reflections: reflecting on the principles that already guide your best work. To uncover your core leadership values this week, try these two reflections:
- Identify “Your Proud” Moments: Think of 3-4 specific situations where you felt genuinely proud of how you handled a challenge. What principles were you operating from in those moments?
- Consider Your “Never Again” Moments: Our strongest values often emerge from seeing their opposites. If witnessing micromanagement or dismissive behavior made you uncomfortable, it is a signal that you likely value autonomy and inclusion.
Anchor Your Philosophy in “People Deserve…”
Your philosophy will evolve as you gain experience, but it needs a solid foundation. Try completing this sentence instinctively: “I believe people deserve…”
Whether your answer is fairness, growth opportunities, or clear communication, these instincts are the bricks and mortar of your leadership approach. When you lead from your values, you stop trying to copy someone else’s style and start leading authentically.
Tomorrow, we’ll look at how to identify your natural “go-to” moves under pressure.
Pause & Reflect
On your own, list three “Never Again” moments from your career. For each, identify the positive value that was missing (e.g., if you felt ignored, your value might be Shared Voice).
Or if you’d like to utilize Sophia, our AI leadership coach, use this prompt: “I’m reflecting on my leadership values. I want to tell you about three moments in my career where I felt proud of my leadership and three moments where I felt disappointed by someone else’s. Can you help me to identify the common themes and core values behind these experiences?”