Comments on: Becoming Chair, thinking about leadership

By: Brad Wood

Brad Wood — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 19:00:59 +0000

I have a really good meditation tape somewhere for reducing stress. I’m looking for it now for my own use and trying not to stress out in the process.

By: citrus

citrus — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 16:22:02 +0000

I like Daniel’s suggestions! One more. Don’t let insecurity in leadership become too obvious. Don’t ask too many people what you should be doing. If that feeling gets around people begin to wonder why it’s you and not them in the big chair! Similar to sharks sensing blood in the water. Trust who you are.

By: Daniel Wolf

Daniel Wolf — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 15:34:11 +0000

I realize that UCLA is an order of magnitude larger than Wesleyan, but Alvin Lucier was a superb chair at Wesleyan and never let the chair interfere with his creative work. Perhaps some of his practice might be replicable at UCLA. Most importantly, he kept some strict disciplines: All paperwork on his desk was taken care of immediately, first thing each morning, so that his desk was empty of paper by the time of his office hours. Second, he let committees discuss and make recommendations to the whole department, so that department meetings were relatively rare and mercifully brief, with agendas limited to formally deciding matters up or down. Third, he keep strict office hours, and always made time to visit with colleagues and students in informal settings. Although he kept many of his decision-making cards close to the chest, by keeping the presence of the discussion and consultation channels clear and regular, he helped create one of the least paranoid academic environments I have ever encountered.

By: citrus

citrus — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:59:41 +0000

Always wondered what happened to your grandmother’s book, “Taps for Privete Tussy”. The Tussys were a constant presence in her evaluations of the not always neat care of our bedrooms. I read it long ago and have never quite forgotten it. Consider it yours with my blessings and as Mother said,”Don’t keep your house looking like the Tussys live here.” Guess that applies to administration as well.
Citrus

By: Roger Bourland

Roger Bourland — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:34:41 +0000

[lol] I’ll wait till July 1 for that title AC, my Dean has made it clear: NOT TILL JULY 1, even tho I’m chomping at the bit…

By: A.C. Douglas

A.C. Douglas — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:25:56 +0000

Thoughtful piece, but, boy!, did you miss the perfect title; one which you supplied yourself in the body of the piece: “Roger The Chair”.

Much luck and my best wishes to you in your new post as … well, you know.

ACD