So, you want to be a leader Washington Financial Aid Association (WFAA) Annual Conference October 12, 2016 – Spokane, Washington So, you want to be a leader Dan Mann – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2015-16 NASFAA National Chair

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” - John Quincy Adams

Managers vs. Leaders Managers Leaders Administer How & when Short range view Systems & structure Bottom line focus Innovate What & why Long-range (global) perspective People Focus on the horizon

Management Issues Governance Delegation Developing Expectations Self Staff Conflict Management Evaluation Administrative Team Others

Management Issues (continued) Setting effective, adequate and reachable Goals and Objectives Developing a Long-Range Plan for the office in alignment with the institution’s strategic plan Becoming an effective role model, mentor, and motivator

Management Issues (continued) Developing and maintaining an effective organizational structure Roles Responsibilities Understanding the Historical Perspective Institution Office

Develop Leadership Traits Character Act with integrity and honesty Passion/Enthusiasm Developing vision and strategy Fairness Compassion and empathy Confidence Tolerance amid Ambiguity

Develop Leadership Traits Commitment to excellence Order Have a sense of purpose Commitment to diversity Pick your battles - “standing your ground” and “knowing when to stand aside” Communicate what you want Keep communications open

Develop Leadership Traits Act decisively – be an intentional leader Be adaptable and creative Don’t be afraid to fail Trust, recognize and respect people Adapt a continuous improvement philosophy Live for the future, not from the past

A leader takes people where they want to go A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be. - Rosalynn Carter

Practical Tools Budget Construction FISAP Program Participation Agreement Audits Calendars Policies and Procedures Office Budget

Campus Involvement Perception of “Worth” Positioning self in decision making Developing expertise Seeking involvement in other areas of campus activities Annual reporting Skills Speaking Writing

Dealing with Upper Management Expectations Of Boss Of Administration Of Outside Entities (Board of Regents) Understanding “data” and accurately reporting and communicating it “Dumbing Down” financial aid without being too elementary Campus Politics

Learn How to Work With Others Media Relations Local media outlets Governmental Relations Elected officials Faculty/Staff Student groups Community

The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority. - Ken Blanchard

Dealing with the Unexpected Death of a staff member Extended leave of a key staff member Firing a valued staff member Program Review results Emergency situations Safety concerns

Becoming a Regulatory Expert Understand statutes vs regulations Use available resources Ask the right questions Use judgment Apply consistently Update policies Adjust systems

Taking Care of Yourself Add humor to an otherwise difficult job Have fun Take a deep breath Relieve stress Learn how to kick back/relax Use your vacation time Get help when you need it Reflect and re-energize

Tips for Success Understand mission, strategy and vision Build an effective team – select the right individuals and understand what happens when you don’t have the right people Train and support others to be successful Understand “why we do what we do” Get involved in professional associations and support your staff’s involvement too

Tips for Success Clarify, explain and monitor expectations Solicit ideas – develop “ownership” Address occurrences when expectations are not met Run effective meetings – not just for the sake of meeting Delegate Keep the BIG picture in mind

Tips for Success Ensure all needed tools and resources are available for your staff Keep key individuals “in the loop” Seek input – acknowledge success Provide feedback and mentor new staff Train future leaders and administrators Communicate

Tips for Success Respond to complaints Build networks and your support network Information really is power Listen Engage staff and others Plan ahead – look towards the future Accept responsibility – the buck stops here!

Tips for Success Have lofty but achievable goals Embrace change Be flexible in all things Seek and take advice See the forest as well as the trees Good networking is intentional – make time to build and nurture relationships Celebrate your successes and have fun along the way

Finally Leadership Is about making choices And the right choices when it counts And dealing effectively with the bad choices along the way

Questions and Discussion

2015-16 NASFAA National Chair Dan Mann 2015-16 NASFAA National Chair Director, Office of Student Financial Aid University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (217) 333-9299 danmann@illinois.edu