Short Course: The Politics of Leading Change

As change leaders, we often come up against challenges we call "politics". This series examines the politics of leading change through three types of engagements: 1) a recording of Susan Elrod's (Chancellor, Indiana University-South Bend) presentation on leadership moves, which starts to de-mystify actions change leaders take that sometimes fall under the "politics" umbrella, 2) a panel discussion with change leaders working in different contexts, and 3) an informal discussion with WG 3 leaders about the ideas discussed in the recording and panel discussion. You may choose to participate in all three engagements or any combination thereof.

In these events, we hope to facilitate a discussion of change politics-related themes, including:

Power and authority – or leading up, down and sideways in the structures and hierarchies present at institutions of higher education
Working with factions or unions – or developing and leveraging solidarity
How to deal with difficult interpersonal dynamics on a group level, especially when there are valid concerns and good faith efforts on all sides
How to determine when to push back vs. listen quietly
How to balance inclusiveness vs. urgency for change in decision-making

Recording

On your own time

To prepare for the discussions, please watch Susan Elrod's (Chancellor, Indiana University-South Bend) presentation on leadership moves, which starts to de-mystify actions change leaders take that sometimes fall under the "politics" umbrella [17:27- 43:54].

Recording

Panel Discussion

April 19, 2022

11 am PT | 12 pm MT | 1 pm CT | 2 pm ET

Panelists

Ande Durojaiye, Miami University Regionals, College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science
David Craig, Leadership Team of Effective Practices for Physics Programs & Associate Professor of Physics, Oregon State University
Susan Singer, Provost & Professor of Biology, Rollins College
Gabriela Weaver, Assistant Dean for Student Success Analytics & Professor of Chemistry, Univ. of Massachusetts –Amherst

Panel Discussion Page

Show Abstract

As change leaders, we often come up against challenges we call "politics". In this panel discussion, four leaders in a variety of academic positions across the country will break open the black box of how they approach political issues. This panel discussion is aimed a change leaders of all types in academia. We welcome questions from the audience submitted during registration and will plan the panel discussion accordingly. We also welcome participants to join us for the informal discussion that follows this panel discussion on April 29.

Informal Discussion

April 29, 2022

11 am PT | 12 pm MT | 1 pm CT | 2 pm ET

Informal Discussion Page

Facilitators

Madhura Kulkarni, Northern Kentucky University
Gita Bangera, Bellevue Community College

Show Abstract

As change leaders, we often come up against challenges we call "politics". This informal discussion follows a panel discussion with change leaders from across the country on April 19. We recommend that participants also take part in that discussion and review the Susan Elrod video on leadership moves below before participating in this informal discussion, but it is not required. (Registering for either event will give you access to both.) If you are unable to attend the live panel discussion, a recording will be posted on the panel discussion page. This informal discussion will allow space for ASCN members and guests to discuss our own experiences with the politics of leading change in small groups.