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Why recognizing that you’re “improvising” is actually a leadership strength.
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:
- 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.
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