Lead or Leave

This book provides a checklist of what works and what does not work for those wanting to lead colleges and universities in the 21st century and those with responsibility for the oversight of those institutions. Importantly, this book also seeks to keep educators on a morally straight course.

Lead or Leave provides a checklist of what works and what does not work for those wanting to lead colleges and universities in the 21st century and those with responsibility for the oversight of those institutions. Importantly, this book also seeks to keep educators on a morally straight course. Aimed at presidents and trustees (as well as those who aspire to those positions), Lead or Leave is a valuable guide for anyone concerned about institutions of higher education in the United States.

Chapter 1 Foreword
Chapter 2 Preface
Chapter 3 Introduction
Chapter 4 Presidential Leadership
Part 5 Lead by Learning
Part 6 Use the pulpit the presidency provides
Part 7 Avoid institutional amnesia
Part 8 Look at the whole chessboard
Part 9 Pay attention to details
Part 10 Remember that precedent matters
Part 11 Pay as you go
Part 12 Run scared
Part 13 Remember that board members are not your friends
Part 14 Realize the board's limitations
Part 15 Be loyal - to those who work with you and to the college
Part 16 Trust yourself - and those with whom you work
Part 17 Give credit to others
Part 18 Take the blame yourself
Part 19 Do what you think is right
Part 20 Be decisive
Part 21 Be accountable
Part 22 Enjoy the fishbowl
Part 23 Choose the presidency or the president for the right reasons
Chapter 24 Management
Part 25 Keep an open door
Part 26 Manage by wandering around
Part 27 Know your constituents
Part 28 Answer everything - emails, letters, phone calls
Part 29 Embrace informality whenever possible
Part 30 Support aggressive actions
Part 31 Make no private deals
Part 32 Follow the lead of your staff
Part 33 Do what you say you are going to do
Part 34 Be honest
Part 35 Defuse every situation - and do so quickly
Part 36 Learn to delegate
Part 37 Have the guts to go with your gut
Part 38 Leave second-guessing to others
Part 39 Strive for rising expectations
Chapter 40 Personal Style
Part 41 Be sensitive to those around you
Part 42 Treat people as you want to be treated
Part 43 Expect more of yourself than others
Part 44 Live for the job, not on the job
Part 45 Check your ego at the door
Part 46 Know your limitations
Part 47 Stir the pot
Part 48 Keep your perspective
Part 49 Focus on the positive
Part 50 Take your vacation
Part 51 Remember that work should be fun
Part 52 Know when it's time to leave the party
Chapter 53 Conclusion
Chapter 54 Acknowledgements
Chapter 55 Index