For recreational reading, turn to the help-wanted ads for academic executives—the presidents, provosts, deans and others who manage higher education.
Visionaries are in demand, particularly those with leadership qualities essential for implementing a strategic vision. Innovativeness wins points. Promoters of interdisciplinarity are much sought after, as are reshapers of the traditional paradigm, especially in the context of globalization and networking. A record of cross-institutional bridge building is a plus. Exceptional scholarly attainment is expected. Skill at crisis management is fast coming up among the criteria for senior posts. Commitment to excellence, diversity and shared governance is essential. Accomplishment in external fund raising, sometimes referred to as resource development, is a must, along with a willingness to confront challenge creatively while building consensus.
Many professions advertise for leaders, but by a wide margin, higher education leads the pack in stating hallucinatory job specifications. Why is this?
