SO YOU WANT TO BE A PRESIDENT? ARE YOU READY? BY BRENDA BECKMAN, SENIOR C0NSULTANT LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION IN THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
READINESS C0NSIDERATIONS Education Experience Psychological readiness Philosophical compatibility Ethical compass Understanding of the role
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Health and energy level Personality and style Marriage or partner relationship Children Parents and other significant family members
LEADERSHIP SKILL DEVELOPMENT Higher education leadership programs Conferences and publications Interview technique Practicum or temporary assignments Specialized institutes Lateral job moves
WHAT WOULD YOU BRING TO THE JOB? Track record of achievement Recognition as a leader Strong areas of experience Breadth of experience High level communication skills (two-way, including listening, reading body language) Interpersonal skills
THE MINDSET SHIFT Vertical to horizontal Silo to institutional/service area view Doer to leader Delegation and trust Above details, but know what to watch Leadership vocabulary Big picture and futuristic thinking
REALISTIC ASSESSMENT OF ABILITIES Areas of experiential strength Experiential gaps Personal strengths Personal weaknesses Ability to make and live with tough decisions Background vulnerabilities
WHAT KIND OF PRESIDENCY? Urban, suburban, rural Single college, multi-campus, or multi-college part of statewide system Part of state university Community or technical college or combined function Reporting to board—elected or appointed Reporting to district president Reporting to chancellor
OPPORTUNITIES Type of Institution, geographic location and culture Institutional climate Housing availability and cost Family fit: schools, religious institutions, medical services, recreational access Timing How closely do your skills match the college’s challenges?
FIT Do they really want you? Do you really want them? How are you treated during each step of the search process and what does this tell you about the people at the college? Has any significant stakeholder group been conspicuously missing from the search process? Do you feel excited or intimidated by the challenges to be addressed? DOES IT FEEL RIGHT? LISTEN TO YOUR GUT!