In 2021, I was a part of a trio that did keynote speeches at the 2021 (virtual) SEAHO conference. Thanks again COVID! We were supposed to be in Charleston, SC but instead, I was in my makeshift home office staring at a computer screen and talking, what felt like, to myself. Each of the people chosen were supposed to discuss the past, present and future of our work in Residence Life and Housing and I was thankful that I was asked to discuss the present state because COVID gave me lots of topics to choose from. I decided to focus on leading through times of disruption/uncertainty. Fast forward to today…our world, both on and off campus is dealing with disruption and uncertainty (on many levels) yet we have still been called to lead. So how do we do this? Here are a few things I said back then, tweaked a bit of course.
There are a few things we need to remember in times of uncertainty or not, leadership is a gift. A gift that needs to be given not held on to. More importantly, leadership is stewardship and you must remain cognizant of your position and authority and what and who you are stewards of. When you keep this at the forefront of your mind you will use this power wisely because while leadership is stewardship and a gift, it is also temporary. When you view your leadership or influence as temporary you are far more likely to NOT spend it on yourself but on those you serve.
What you are about to read is a mix of my own lessons learned, some good advice shared and some plain old common sense. Use what you will and pass on the rest.
Lesson 1: Communicate often and effectively
- As a leader in Res Life and Housing, you sit in spaces your staff cannot. It is both your duty to speak up for them and pass down information to them.
- In times of disruption, you can never communicate too much. Even if you think someone has heard the information chances are someone else has not.
- When people feel left in the dark, they feel undervalued and frankly not appreciated.
- Also, it’s not just about communicating, it’s about speaking the language of the audience you are in front of. We email a lot, it’s like a professional love language. However, it’s typically not the love language of students, student staff or even some professional staff. So be mindful of how you are communicating so you actually hit the mark.
- Your voice is more important than your words. Your staff need to see you…secretly they want to see you…as a leader you should bring a sense of calmness. If you don’t, work on that. No really, work on that.
Lesson 2: Help Others Lead
- You cannot, nor should you be leading in times of uncertainty all by yourself. Your job as a leader is to make more leaders. Share the wealth. You cannot be everything to everyone in your unit/office/building. Therefore, the more help you have the better.
- As a leader you should be asking, how am I engaging others in leadership roles?
- But also as a leader, you should be asking how can I help? Don’t wait for your supervisor to ask for help, jump in and ask how you can help. Take ownership where you can.
Lesson 3: Focus on Core Values
- Even when the sands are shifting under your feet, you must stay rooted/grounded to something as a leader.
- The mission, vision/values of your department or institution should still guide the decisions made. Predictability, even during uncertain times is necessary.
- The stability of being able to trace your decisions back to your core values can provide a sense of calm even in unprecedented times and your staff both needs and craves that from you.
Lesson 4: Know when to Pivot!
- It’s not just for basketball courts or tables.
- Stay adaptable, curious and practice innovative thinking. Times of uncertainty provide us with the opportunity to review our work more deeply. COVID dramatically changed our work on campus, now some might have reverted back to their old ways but it provided better yet, it required us to work differently. Challenge your leadership skills and stay nimble enough to pivot when necessary.
Lesson 5: Be Honest and Stay Humble.
- Repeat after me…it’s ok to NOT have all the answers.
- Clarity is the next best thing to certainty. As humans we crave certainty, we want to know everything will be ok. As a leader you can’t promise that but you can and should provide clarity.
- Bottom line, I wholeheartedly believe it is better to be humble than be humbled.
Lesson 6: Demonstrate Grit/Resilience
- Regardless of how long you’ve been in this field if you’re hearing this message then you’ve undoubtedly demonstrated some form of resilience or grit.
- As leaders we do our best to demonstrate grit because inspiring confidence in others is part of your job as a leader, but it takes its toll.
- Remember this, when life knocks you flat because one day it will…jump up, clap your hands over your head and call it a burpee!
Lesson 7: Take Care of Yourself, FIRST
- Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s mandatory. Setting boundaries is essential. Unplugging from your email and doing something specifically for you keeps you sane.
- It’s high time for us to reclaim our time! Take the PTO, take the walk, lift the weights, just breathe (a good deep belly breath)… do whatever it is you need to do to feel like a whole person not just an employee.
Lesson 8: Take Care of Your People
- In times of uncertainty find ways to focus more on your people. Your staff/team need your support, guidance, and reassurance. Remember they want you, your voice and clarity.
- Find ways to foster genuine connections with them. Set aside time for meaningful, purposeful personal connections.
Final Thoughts:
- Your leadership and authority are temporary. Your current staff will move on due to graduation, getting new jobs or for many other reasons. Therefore, the authority you hold over them won’t last forever so use it wisely.
- Your legacy doesn’t just happen, you create it in times of disruption, uncertainty and when all is going well. Your actions today affect your future in this field and beyond. Create a meaningful legacy, lead with the end in mind, lead with boldness, strength and kindness.
- Be willing to extend grace and show mercy. Think good thoughts of others, lead with integrity and do your part to create a more caring and welcoming world, personally and professionally. The next generation of Housing and Residence Life professionals needs this and you.
