The Survival Guide for Academic Leaders

Book excerpt: Providing essential guidance on how to survive and develop as an academic leader to achieve results and avoid common pitfalls, this highly practical and accessible book communicates the importance of learning to build trust and meaningful relationships as a central component to achieving in this role. To ensure leaders are on the right track to success, this guide offers insights from the STARBUILDING© professional coaching diagnostic developed by Karen Greenstreet, a long-term vision model that identifies the key constituencies an academic leader must serve (clients, colleagues and self), and the skillsets they must master (communication, organization and thinking). Demonstrating that simplicity is essential, practical advice is structured in an easy-to-follow approach with sources and checklists included. Beyond the easily navigable framework, this innovative book addresses crucial issues, such as staff development, public service, fundraising, and career success. Newly appointed and aspiring educational leaders and administrators, as well as consultants and government agency managers, will equally appreciate this practical toolbox of leadership techniques, helping them to build leadership judgment and political savvy from their first day on the job.