The old adage “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day—teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime” helps only one person. In the context of faculty development, we suggest adding a third couplet: “Teach someone to teach others how to fish—feed a village for generations!” This addition describes a continually developing culture in which mentoring and training are fostered and intentionally infused into the experiences of junior faculty members.
How Leaders Shape, Signal, and Build Cultures: A Discussion Guide for Academic Leaders and Their Teams
Among the many desired traits most prized in academic leadership, the ability to shape (or reshape) institutional culture is sometimes overlooked in favor of fiscal acumen, the ability to drive
Lisa Jasinski
May 4, 2026
One Response
Teach someone to teach others how to fish—feed a village for generations!”
great advice on mentorship