“A skillful executive coach can play an instrumental role in transforming bright individuals into effective managers and leaders. An investment in leadership development is an investment in the future of the organization.”
Molly Corbett Broad University of
North Carolina
The role of a university dean is not what it used to be; the stakes are higher than ever before. Increased demands includes broader accountability from an ever-widening group of stakeholders, increased fundraising expectations, greater competition, more emphasis on enrollment management, and an intensified need to effectively manage competing priorities. Deans not only take on enormous responsibility, they are expected to demonstrate results and have an impact immediately.
COMMENCE: A Dean’s First 100 Days is an intensive 14-week executive coaching program for first-time deans. The purpose of COMMENCE is to ensure the success of the new leader by identifying and building the capabilities that are required for deans working in a fast-paced, high-visibility academic environment.
Benefits of COMMENCE to the school
- Enables the dean to be more effective right away by focusing not only on doing things right, but doing the right things
- Transforms insight and intention to action and improves productivity by lessening the time spent on non-critical matters
- Helps the dean balance competing priorities, such as delegation and control; autonomy and consensus building; and internal responsibilities and external expectations
- Transfers the dean’s learning to the leadership team of the school
- Demonstrates to candidates the school is committed to making the new dean successful
Benefits of COMMENCE to the new dean
The first few months are a time of extreme change for the new dean personally. The learning curve is at its steepest. In addition to ‘doing the job’ a new dean is also expected to understand the culture of the school, meet most of the key stakeholders, gain the confidence of faculty and donors, and assess the skills and strengths of the team. These additional responsibilities and stress often take a significant personal toll on new deans during this critical transition period.
COMMENCE:
- Helps the dean avoid being swept under by the tidal wave of responsibilities and competing priorities, maintaining focus and big-picture thinking while tackling pressing issues
- Enables the dean to gain an understanding of the unwritten expectations of the position
- Fosters deep learning from situations by reflecting on them and discovering how individual actions form patterns that limit or enhance the dean’s effectiveness
- Provides a mirror that helps the dean understand how his or her leadership style and effectiveness are perceived by others
- Gives the dean an impartial and trusted advisor whose sole purpose is to help them be successful in their new role
What does COMMENCE consist of?
- One-on-one coaching sessions, either in person or by phone with a certified coach, usually once a week for 45 minutes for 14 weeks
- Group coaching with the dean’s leadership team at least monthly
- Administering and interpreting behavioral assessments of the dean’s strengths and decision-making style
- Participation in key meetings with faculty, administrators, alumni and other key stakeholders at least monthly
- Facilitation of conversations and meetings if requested
- On-call support to the dean as needed
If the school hires the right person as dean, why do we need COMMENCE?
The transition from professor to dean is huge. Many new deans rely on a combination of trial and error and intuition. The stakes in leading a school are too high to rely on these methods of learning to lead. Success is not universal. What makes people successful in one situation may not serve them in another. This program helps leaders understand what kinds of things they may need to take on or shed to be successful in their new role.
How is executive coaching different from consulting?
A consultant is expected to provide expertise in a particular area, such as strategic planning or marketing. Consultants usually produce their own work products and offer solutions based on their experience and knowledge. Coaching is a professional development opportunity that is designed to help individuals achieve their full potential. A coach is a partner and confidante, rather than a leader. Coaches help clients identify their desired future, and then clarify and achieve goals. Executive coaching is designed to help clients learn from their experiences and transfer their learning into results so their organizations can realize their highest ambitions.
To learn more about COMMENCE
Contact SINTRA Consulting at info@SintraConsulting.org or call (323) 666-9700.
Read more about the benefits of executive coaching from University Business.
COMMENCE: A Dean's First 100 Days
Mobilizing the potential of individuals and organizations
2014 Balmer Drive Los Angeles, CA 90039
Phone (323) 666-9700 Fax (323) 913-3199
