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Dear Faculty Relations: I just finished my first year as associate chair. It had its challenges, but I’m enjoying it more than I’d expected. Do you have any wisdom to share as I contemplate other leadership roles? —Learning to Lead

Dear Learning: I love this question, and congratulations on making it through year one with your curiosity and spirit for service intact! I encourage you to continue on your leadership journey by tapping into resources from the Office of Faculty Affairs. For instance, the Faculty Leadership Institute (FLI) gathers a cohort of emerging academic leaders (like yourself) from across the campus each year to engage in conversations about current campus issues and to develop leadership skills. Here’s is sampling of what we heard this past year:

• Build daily rituals that help you reset. Whether it’s playing the piano between meetings or downshifting with crossword puzzles, find small moments that recharge you so you can show up fully and be present for the people around you.
• Leadership is about relationships.Your highest highs and your lowest lows will come from others, so make sure to put time into developing your emotional intelligence.
• There is no such thing as work-life balance… but all is not lost! There will be seasons of sacrifice and seasons of quiet. Adjust your expectations and try to get the best out of both.
• Listen first. The best leaders may not be shrinking violets, but they’re never the loudest voice in the room. Listen to the people around you and then measure your words carefully.
• A shift is not a cliff. Change is different than crisis. Embracing change is part of the job, and your ability to navigate uncertainty with clarity and calm will set you apart as a trusted leader.
• Well done is better than well said.Our training has prepared many of us to speak effectively, but as a leader, it’s what you do that counts.

Finally, our goal is to grow more and better leaders. Leadership is about leaving the ladder down. And so, Learning, think back to what you wished you’d known last fall and share that with the person who follows in your footsteps. Thank you for stepping up, leading with heart, and for giving back to your unit and your college.

Written by Anu Sharma, Professor, Speech Language & Sciences and Faculty Fellow, Faculty Leadership Institute based on discussions with senior leadership across campus including:Ìý

• Jennifer Fluri, Chair and Professor, Geography and Faculty Director, Office of Faculty Affairs
• Pat Ferrucci, Chair and Associate Professor, Journalism and Faculty Director, Office of Faculty Affairs
• Peter Hamlington, Chair and Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
• Erika Randall, Interim Dean and Vice Provost, Undergraduate Education and Professor, Theatre & Dance
• Elizabeth Dutro, Interim Dean and Professor, Education
• Francisca Antman, Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences and Professor, Economics
• Nils Halverson, Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences and Professor, Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences
• Stefanie K. Johnson, Director, Center for Leadership and Associate Professor, Organizational Leadership & Information Analytics
• Michael Sy Uy, Director, American Music Research Center and Associate Professor, Music
• Ann Schmiesing, Interim Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Professor, German & Slavic Language & Literatures
• D’Andra Mull, Vice Chancellor for Student Life
• Scott Adler, Dean, Graduate School and Professor, Political Science

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