Disagreements emerging from the competing priorities of faculty members and administrators are unavoidable. Conflict, however, can emerge from drama being used as a strategic tactic to achieve a desired outcome. This so-called drama triangle dynamic often manifests itself as the pressure administrators face to play the hero in disputes—only to risk being labeled the villain when they resist individual requests. Understanding how to recognize and manage these relationship patterns can aid sound decision-making and promote effective leadership.
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
