Multidimensional Leadership: Leading the Community College of the Future

Pamela L. Eddy, College of William and Mary

Overview

• Focus on Community College Leadership

• Literature

• Methods

• Findings

• Model

Focus on CC Leadership

• “Leadership Crisis”

• Leadership development—programming

• Contextual needs

• Grow-Your-Own Leadership Programs

Informing Literature

• Evolution of leadership theory over timeTraits—Cognitive—Collective

• Underlying schemas—worldview

• AACC Competencies

Methods

• Case Studies– 9 campuses– 75 interviews

• “New” Presidents

• Additional interviews with presidents of color

Propositions• No single or universal model for leadership

• Leaders==multidimensional and multifaceted

• Leaders==underlying cognitive schemas

• Some central beliefs are less open to change

• Leaders==Adult Learners

Key Model Components

• Leadership Schema

• Gender

• Communication

• Sensemaking/Framing

• Competencies

Leadership Schemas

• Fall-back position

• Mental models

• Learning—reflection—assumptions

• Cultural competency

Gender

• Ideal worker

• Intersection of race and gender

• Female—Generative/Collaborative

• Male—Directing/Authoritative

Communication

• Talking the message

• Walking the message

• Writing the message

• Symbolizing the message

Sensemaking/Framing

• Step-by-step Framing

• Visionary Framing

• Connective Framing

Competencies

• AACC Competencies: Organizational Strategy, Resource Management, Advocacy, Communication, Collaboration, Professionalism

• Clusters– Inclusivity– Framing meaning– Minding the bottom line– Systems thinking

First Model

Final Model

GenderFemale Male

CommunicationTop Down Participatory

Sensemaking & FramingStep-by-Step Visionary Connective

CompetenciesMinding the Bottom Line Inclusivity Framing Meaning Systems Thinking

Leader A Leader BLeader C

Leadership Schema

Implications

• Leaders question assumptions/reflection

• Movement along continuum

• Succession planning

• “Accidental” leaders

• Cultural competencies

Thank you!