Leadership in the Financial Aid Office: Reality TV Style Heather Boutell, Bellarmine University

Definition of Leadership According to Merriam-Webster – –Leadership = the office or position of a leader; capacity to lead; the act or instance of leading –Lead = to guide on a way especially by going in advance, to direct on a course or in a direction, to direct the operations, activity, or performance of ; to have charge of; to go at the head of;: to be first in or among

Famous Leadership Quotes “Leadership: the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower “You’re only as good as the people you hire.” – Ray Kroc “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein

Other Great Sources for Use! Reality TV! –American Idol –Survivor –Amazing Race –Big Brother –Fear Factor –Dancing with the Stars –SuperNanny –Project Runway

Lesson #1: Don’t Be Afraid to Sing Your Song!

Practical Advice Always be excited to share your message and take every opportunity. Be proud of your message of access to higher education. You may be misunderstood. Others may find you a bit weird. Keep smiling.

Lesson #2: Follow the Rules

Practical Advice Hire staff that understand you have to follow the rules. Regularly go over the rules in staff meetings, in creative ways. Be aware of changes to the rules! Adjusting the rules does bring risk. (PJ) Understand that presenting the rules to students may bring anger and resentment, and consider the “music”.

Lesson #3: Make Sacrifices for the Team

Practical Advice Do Your Best for the Team – work hard to overcome the obstacles. Once something goes your way (default rate, enrollment, literacy event), give credit to everyone involved. If on the team, say thank you to those who acknowledge you. Be able to do the functions of those you supervise. Watch for the ones who want to be first.

Lesson #4: Admit when you make mistakes!

Practical Advice Mistakes are going to happen based on the complicated level of our field. Build confidence of employees if they occur. Admit your mistakes. Fix your mistakes. Remember mistakes are replayed, but good moments can be fleeting.

Lesson #5: People are watching!

Practical Advice As a leader, others see your actions. You are being watched! Actions really do speak louder than words. Ethical decisions – will they stand up to the newspaper test? Generational differences mean varying generational expectations.

Lesson #6: Do Things You Don’t Want to do!

Practical Advice New regs, new rules; change can be tough to swallow. Take on responsibilities you don’t want to do – others will follow your lead. Realize your fears inside. Conquer the fears.

Lesson #7: Ask Others for Help!

Practical Advice Ask for help from others and rely on your FAA friends. Know whom to ask and be willing to share openly. Realize that diverse solutions can bring a win to your office. Pay attention to your challenges and try to stay on course. Know where the playground is.

Lesson #8: Let Your Leadership Reflect Who You Are!

Practical Advice Let your office and leadership style reflect you. Make sure your creativity is relevant. Watch and see what the judges think. Remember you are not designing for you, but for others – students, your staff, families.

Reality TV and Leadership….. PrideDiligenceSacrificeHumilityTransparencyCooperation Reliance on Others

Good luck with your leadership skills – tune in and “channel” them whenever you can!