Leadership is the art of navigating constant complexity, where every decision balances people, purpose, and an ever-changing landscape. Colleges and universities operate through shared governance, professional autonomy, and firmly rooted academic cultures, requiring leaders to exert influence through relationships and credibility rather than authority alone (Birnbaum, 1988; Harris et al., 2022). For leadership careers for faculty and staff, individuals will assume responsibilities that expand in scope, complexity, and institutional visibility. Recent sector conditions, such as workforce instability, leadership turnover, and demands for equity-minded change, have increased the need for intentional leadership development across career stages (Caron & Muscanell, 2022; Gagliardi et al., 2017). This how-to guide outlines strategies for success at each stage, emphasizing the importance of preparation, reflection, and institutional alignment.
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