Higher Education has been facing seismic shifts, as enrollment trends continue to fall and many small, private colleges shutter. The hand wringing has only intensified with the dawn of an unpredictable political climate that has potential implications for federal funding.
Many colleges fear that they can’t afford to hire. The reality is that they can’t afford not to. Leaving key leadership positions unstaffed leaves your institution vulnerable. Hiring is an investment in the future of your organization if it’s approached strategically. Here are three principles to follow:
- Align on values. Select leaders who match your priorities and are clear cultural matches. Institutions who move beyond surviving to thriving, will be the ones who draw on their history and clearly embody their mission.
- Understand your opportunities. Strong leaders will enable your organization to address challenges and capitalize on squandered—or unrecognized—opportunities.
- Listen carefully to references. You need proven leaders during turbulent times. Candidates can represent themselves however they want in an interview. Ask their references about how they function under pressure and as part of a team and note what they do—and don’t—say.
