Hello, Leader.
As we begin a new academic year, we want to express our gratitude for your commitment to growth and excellence as leaders in our university community. This year presents a unique opportunity to deepen your leadership skills, inspire your teams, and drive innovative research and learning. You may face opportunities and challenges ahead; embrace them as catalysts for creativity and collaboration, knowing that your development as leaders will profoundly impact our university's success and the broader world. Together, let’s make this year one of transformation, learning, and meaningful progress.
Upcoming Conferences
Women in Leadership
Registration is now open for the 2024 Way Up Conference coming up on November 7th & 8th.
For over thirty-five years, The Way Up Conference has assisted women in Iowa higher education institutions as they continue to develop their leadership and administrative skills and expertise. The conference is designed to provide value for presenters and participants and networking opportunities for all. Apply by 10/28/24 to receive the early bird rate of $199.
Leadership in Higher Education
Topics included in this year's Leadership in Higher Education Conference include managing and improving institutional culture and climate, dealing with problems that arise at the department and college level, developing skills required for successful new academic leaders, and more. This conference is designed to provide academic leaders, such as deans, department chairs, administrators, and aspiring leaders a platform to embrace new tools to put in place.
October 10-12, 2024 in Orlando, FL. Fees start at $1,059.00. Click for full details and registration.
Coach's Corner
Creative leadership in the workplace means a leadership approach that prioritizes and nurtures creativity, innovation, and unconventional thinking. It involves guiding and inspiring teams to explore new ideas, embrace experimentation, and challenge traditional methods. Adopting creative leadership allows leaders to foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, risk-taking is encouraged, and continuous learning is supported. It is this approach which enhances problem-solving capabilities and enriches the University’s mission, ensuring the institution remains relevant and effective. By championing creativity, leaders enable their organization to navigate complex challenges and seize new opportunities.
Here are three ways you can cultivate creativity as a leader:
1. Provide Time and Resources for Creativity: Allocate time and resources specifically for creative projects and exploration. Encourage your team to engage in activities that inspire them, such as attending workshops, participating in brainstorming sessions, or working on passion projects. By investing in their creative development, you help them stay motivated and generate innovative ideas.
2. Set up Diverse Teams: By bringing together people with different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, you can generate a wider range of ideas and solutions. Facilitate collaborative sessions where team members can share ideas and build on each other’s contributions.
3. Foster a Culture of Experimentation: Encourage your team to try new ideas and approaches, even if they might fail. Create an environment where experimentation is seen as a positive and necessary part of innovation. Celebrate both successes and lessons learned from failures. This can help reduce the fear of taking risks and can inspire more creative thinking.
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