A Note from Ujima Donalson,
POD Manager
In these times of change, I think it's inspiring to acknowledge things that have stood the test of time. The Strategic Leadership Program (SLP) is one such thing. The first workshop of this centrally-funded program was offered ten years ago this fall; since that time, thousands of UW supervisors have completed the program and new ones sign up each week.
This fall, two events will help honor ten years of SLP: the launch of SLP Level 2 in November with the Leadership Agility Series and an SLP alumni event in December. SLP Level 2 is designed for UW leaders who are responsible for high-level decision making, long-term goals, and strategic direction in their organizations, and I believe this year's focus on agility could not be more timely (please see related article below).
As for the SLP alumni event, those of you on the SLP mailing list please stay tuned for your invitation! I look forward to having the chance to connect with you in December.
“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”
~ Source Unkown
Successful Organizational Change: Transition, Communication, and Courage
By Renée Hanson, University Consulting Alliance Manager
As UW leaders continue to shepherd their employees and organizations through change, we thought it would be useful to include this timely article from our archives.
Planning and making decisions around large-scale or high-impact change is a daunting enough task; ensuring that change is adopted and integrated by employees and into the organization may seem almost impossible. But by managing the transition, communicating about change, and exhibiting courage, leaders can increase the likelihood that organizational change will succeed.
MANAGING THE TRANSITION
Change occurs when something starts or something stops; transition is the gradual psychological process through which individuals and groups re-orient themselves so they can function and find meaning in a changed situation. Read more
“Leadership is doing what is right when no one is watching.”
~ George Van Valkenburg
SLP Level 2: Leadership Agility Series
Level 2 of the Strategic Leadership Program kicks off on November 16 with Context Setting, the first workshop in the 2010–2011 Leadership Agility Series. Unlike SLP Level 1, which provides foundational knowledge and skills for new or newly promoted UW supervisors, SLP Level 2 will present new leadership concepts and timely strategies for UW managers, directors, and other executives.
“As the lead facilitator for SLP Level 1, I am continually reminded of the importance of providing supervisors with tools, skills, and resources to more effectively manage themselves, their staff, and their units at UW,” POD Manager Ujima Donalson explains. “But as an experienced leader and as the head of POD, I also fully understand the need for development opportunities that can help me take myself and my organization to the next level. That's what I believe SLP Level 2 can provide.” Read more
“If we are growing, we are always going to be outside our comfort zone.”
~ John C. Maxwell
Ask An Expert: Tools for Uncertain Times
By Clive Shearer, University Consulting Alliance Member
What are some practical approaches for leading in uncertain times?
Uncertain times can lead to tension, stress, and even fear. In these conditions efficiency can unravel, professional partnerships can weaken, and focus can be dimmed; as a result, you might be tempted to ignore problems, paper over them, or even develop ineffective solutions. “Let’s get productive, let’s take some action, let’s make a decision!” Yet, quick decisions may result in temporary improvements but not solve the problem. This is like taking an aspirin to heal a toothache. It won’t work.
Take Ownership
It’s comforting to seek blame outside the organization. “The economy is bad, the state has a lack of funds, we are all suffering in these tough times.” These statements may be true, but an “Oh, dear me” attitude is not the path for a leader. Your charge is to take charge, regardless of the source of any problems. Read more
Leadership by the Book
By Ujima Donalson, POD Manager
Connective Leadership: Managing in a Changing World by Jean Lipman-Blumen
Connective Leadership is a leader “must have.” Part One of the book takes a look at the origins and evolution of leadership and presents a compelling case for change. While these early chapters are interesting, I found the true meat to reside in Part Two, which presents the Connective Leadership Model (discussed below). Part Three of the book explores the results and implications of utilizing the Connective Leadership Model within organizations. Read more
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