A Leadership Guide for Women in Higher Education

by Marjorie Hass

Women face unique challenges as they move into senior leadership roles at colleges and universities. This guide provides them with the frank, supportive advice they need to advance their careers and lead with excellence. For years, Marjorie Hass, now the president of Rhodes College, was approached by women in higher education looking for advice and support as they took on leadership roles and navigated challenging career paths. Eventually, she began offering online seminars so she could meet in small groups to answer questions and encourage women to develop mutually supportive relationships. In A Leadership Guide for Women in Higher Education , Hass draws on her sixteen years of senior leadership experience, her work with national higher education organizations, and her mentorship work with dozens of women to address fundamental issues women face when they lead in higher education. Aiming to level the playing field by giving women the insightful, supportive advice they need to advance in their careers and to lead with excellence, Hass combines practical information with career coaching. In this frank guide to launching, building, and advancing your academic career, Hass addresses a wide range of topics, including • deciding whether academic leadership is for you
• developing a personal leadership style
• becoming comfortable with power, ambition, and personal voice
• navigating patriarchal assumptions
• finding joy in leadership work
• gaining experience with budget management, revenue generation, personnel management, and fund-raising―no matter your current job title
• effectively managing conflict
• aligning personal and career values and goals
• winning your next job
• and much more Women at any stage of their academic leadership career will find this guide insightful, useful, and empowering, as will anyone interested in supporting women leaders and diversifying leadership in higher education.

168 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 2021

Reviews

[Mary L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for those of us in higher ed. I wish this had been written years ago!

[Rebecca]

What an enjoyable and satisfying read! Full of memorable insights and personal anecdotes.

[Nicole Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is that rarest of non-fiction, education focused books that I read cover-to-cover in a single weekend. So important for this stage in my life and career. I'll return to this one again and again.

[Jess Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marjorie Hass' "A Leadership Guide for Women in Higher Education" is an insightful and empowering resource that resonates deeply with women aspiring to leadership roles in academia. Through her own experiences and mentorship, Hass provides invaluable guidance and practical advice to navigate the challenges faced by women in senior administrative positions.

From the very beginning, the book emphasizes the need for courageous leadership in higher education. Hass highlights the importance of women leaders supporting and empowering one another, as well as the challenges they may encounter in a patriarchal system. She candidly discusses issues such as power dynamics, gender biases, and the delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience.

Hass addresses the significance of finding joy in one's work, despite the numerous roadblocks and high expectations women often face. She emphasizes the need for authenticity, transparency, and effective communication in leadership roles. The book also delves into the complexities of managing conflicts, overcoming barriers to happiness, and cultivating work-life alignment to avoid burnout.
One of the book's notable strengths is its practical approach to leadership development. Hass emphasizes the importance of building diverse and loyal teams, fostering positive relationships with constituents, and developing strong communication strategies. She also provides guidance on crucial skills such as crisis management, strategic thinking, and budgeting, underscoring the importance of building a skilled and cohesive senior leadership group.

"A Leadership Guide for Women in Higher Education" is a valuable resource that not only equips women with the necessary tools and insights to navigate the challenges of leadership in academia but also encourages them to embrace their unique strengths and lead with integrity. As I reflect on my own career aspirations, I find Hass' guidance and personal anecdotes both relatable and inspiring. Her emphasis on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment and leaving a legacy for future leaders resonates deeply with my own values.
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In conclusion, Marjorie Hass' "A Leadership Guide for Women in Higher Education" serves as a compelling and practical resource for women seeking leadership roles in academia. Through her candid insights and mentorship, Hass guides readers through the intricacies of navigating power dynamics, finding joy in their work, and developing the necessary skills to lead with integrity. This book is not only an invaluable resource for personal and professional growth but also a testament to the strength and resilience of women in higher education leadership.

[Cynthia Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up while at a meeting of the Council for Independent Colleges and Universities (CIC). Marjorie Hass serves as CIC President, and I've been impressed with her remarks and her insights. Reading her book only increased my appreciation of her and her leadership. This book offers a holistic guide to women's leadership, a perfect combination of practical insights and inspiration. I recommend it especially to women who are early in their mid career phase (that's intentionally broad) as Hass both demystifies advancement in leadership and offers guidance for women discerning whether (or not) to advance toward senior level leadership in colleges and universities.

[Jenifer Gager]

What a gift this book is. A few take-aways are as follows:

“Leadership…is a deeply personal, indeed a spiritual, discipline.”

“…self-knowledge and self-development are essential if one is to lead effectively.”

And the section on energy management for happiness (p. 61)

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful book that is geared mainly towards women looking to move into senior leadership roles. For those just starting on their leadership path, the last 1/4 of the book will not be as helpful as the first 3/4.

[Marissa Questereit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! I would say this book is written for someone wanting to move into senior leadership and I am not quite there yet in my career. There are still some really great nuggets on Leadership and it got me excited for the next step in my career!

[LeeRay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Provost friend recommended I read this book. It did not disappoint. Dr. Hass’s writing is clear, direct, thoughtful, and warm. Lots of terrific practical advice here, relevant to many aspiring women leaders, not only those in higher ed. I definitely recommend it.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book full of practical advice for women in and pursuing leadership roles in higher education.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confirming. Worth reading.