Quality of University Leaders in the 21 st century Professor Robin Middlehurst Kingston University

Starting Propositions 21 century brings significant new & difficult challenges Expectations of HE in 21 century are rising & systems are changing – but fast enough? 21 century leadership must be different & more diverse Relying on the skills & qualities of individual leaders (alone) is not enough….

Globalisation is making the world a different place…

The challenges facing countries…

..are serious…

..and difficult to resolve

The pace of change is increasing…

Rising Expectations of HE Role of Universities in the Europe of Knowledge… “The European Union needs a healthy and flourishing university world…” “Europe needs excellence in its universities, to optimise the processes which underpin a knowledge society…” “The European Council called for European systems of education to become a ‘world reference’ by 2012…”

Changing student expectations : students working increased from 49% to 72% (5 hrs/wk to 17 hrs/wk) Studies of Generation Y: –Racially & ethnically diverse –Used to ‘customising experience’ –‘High performance & high maintenance’ –Want collaborative learning environments with challenge + support

Changing HE systems…

New models, many competitors

A step-change in leadership?

Changes in leadership research Focus on leaders Study leaders as individuals Examine power & hierarchy Search for universal characteristics Non-hierarchical Collective Process centred Context-linked Mutual power & influence Then… Now… (Kezar et al, 2006)

Changing leadership Leaders & leadership – mutual accountability & collective responsibility “Good followers make good leaders” Fit for context + stage of development Engaged & connected: leadership beyond authority “Leadership & the quest for integrity” “Leadership as the management of attention & management of meaning”

5 C’s Leadership

Credibility

Capability

Character

Collaborative Management

Cultural Sensitivity

A leader is best When people barely know he exists. Not so good when people obey and acclaim him. Worst when they despise him. ‘Fail to honour people and they fail to honour you;’ But of a good leader, who talks little, When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, They will all say, ‘We did this ourselves’. (Lao-Tzu, 6th century BC)

Creating the freedom to lead