Leaders in higher education today face the inevitable task of embodying the best aspects of all current trends without falling prey to the negative aspects of fads. Amy Kristof-Brown identifies one trait that can cut through the pressure and forge a decisive path forward: authenticity. She writes in Inside Higher Ed:
“the public’s growing awareness of inauthentic messages and actions by people and brands, including those of colleges and universities, leaves almost no room for missteps. In this way, authenticity has become a litmus test, challenging institutional leadership to maintain balance in the face of competing pressures.
As I navigate this landscape, I find myself drawn to the principles of authentic leadership. Authentic leadership, to me, requires embracing vulnerability and being honest about my strengths and weaknesses while staying true to my beliefs.”
