Due to ongoing talks about harmonising the faculties, I have realised that sometimes there is, in my opinion, a skewed vision of what leadership is, what its goal is, and whether it is good or bad. There seems to be a wish from management to get rid of what is called ‘single-point leadership’. This implies that this style of leadership is not good for UT, but is that really so? Considering that UT will soon appoint a new chair of the Executive Board, I would like to share my thoughts on leadership.
Putin, Trump or Netanyahu
We live in a time in which there are many individuals who believe themselves to be ’leaders’, but who are in fact pure dictators. These people do not use their power to serve those for whom they are responsible, but rather to serve their own personal agenda, or that of their friends, at the expense of those whom they ought to serve. Unfortunately, this is not only the case for people like Putin, Trump, or Netanyahu on the global stage, but also within organisations such as UT. Leaders like Marcus Aurelius, Martin Luther King, or Nelson Mandela seem almost like a dream nowadays.
What is leadership in a group? I believe leadership is the realisation that you can use your own skills to help people achieve a common goal. Leadership is a catalyst that helps people realise what they want, rather than telling them. It then synthesises the common elements and reinforces those messages and actions in order to achieve shared needs and goals. Real leaders do not force things, but listen carefully, analyse, synthesise, and act in the interest of those who they lead, making them understand that they are there for them. Leaders are never a problem, but rather those who do not obstruct people, and instead help and support them.
Common goal
At the same time, this may mean that leaders must sometimes make difficult decisions, and be strict with those they lead. Good leadership also means acting firmly and professionally once action needs to be taken, and not avoiding difficult decisions when they must be taken for good reasons. In any case, the reason for such actions should always be driven by a common goal, not a personal one: real leader should never misuse their power in the way dictators systematically do.
I believe good leadership is not a ’problem’ to be got rid of, but an asset that should be encouraged and supported. On the other hand, dictatorial behaviour, which has absolutely nothing to do with leadership, should be addressed, confronted firmly and forcefully when needed, without hesitation and as soon as possible; ignoring it or failing to take proper action can have seriously damaging consequences, and I have observed such cases multiple times in my 28 years at UT. There may also be people who lead others, who may have good intentions and genuinely listen to those whom they lead, but if such leaders do not tackle problems firmly when it’s needed, I believe this is a sign of weakness and incompetence.
Really listening
I truly hope that, in the search for a new chair, a person will be chosen who is not taking the role for his or her ego or for politically motivated reasons. Rather, I’m hoping for someone who wants to serve the academic community by really listening, and by taking decisions that are welcomed and needed by the faculties. Not to show off to others what they have done, but because they genuinely want to help the faculties fulfil their goals.
