The most lasting thing a leader can build is not a program or a strategic plan — it is the next generation of leaders. Presidents and provosts who invest intentionally in the leadership capacity of their teams leave a legacy that outlives any single initiative. Here is how to make it happen:
- Trust Them to Lead. Empowerment is not a buzzword — it is a practice. Give your team real authority, step back, and let them own their work. Leaders grow when they are trusted, not managed into the ground.
- Make It Safe to Fail. Bold ideas require the freedom to fall short. Administrators who fear failure play it safe — and safe rarely moves an institution forward. Create a culture where thoughtful risk-taking is celebrated, not penalized.
- Invest in Their Growth. Mentor intentionally. Open doors. Connect your emerging leaders to opportunities, networks, and experiences that stretch them. The time you spend developing others is never wasted.
