Ingenious Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education

by Melissa Morriss-Olson, Ph.D.

2 volumes.

ISBN 978-1-948658-26-3

 

Read the Table of Contents and Introduction.

 

The old playbook for higher ed leadership will no longer suffice. We need a new vision for leadership.

In previous decades, the higher ed leadership playbook appeared to work as long as we didn’t have a full-blown leadership crisis, but now that we do, it has become increasingly clear that the traditional playbook is broken.

Conversations with over 100 accomplished college and university leaders for the IngenioUs podcast have revealed common concerns about a higher ed landscape that is undergoing a profound transformation. The prevailing external environment for nearly all academic institutions is marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), and colleges and universities today face “wicked problems” that require a new type of leadership.

Remarkably, the over 100 leaders interviewed were in accord on many of the key traits and skills required. In Ingenious Leadership, Melissa Morriss-Olson offers a framework for understanding and developing this new kind of leadership, informed by intensive conversations with forward thinkers who have been leading their respective institutions through the storm.

Discover the principal themes of Ingenious Leadership, the practices that empower it, the habits that develop it, and the stories of those who exemplify it.

 

A Supplemental Workbook

The accompanying workbook provides an Ingenious Leadership self-assessment and worksheets to assist you in applying this framework to your own leadership journey. This 250-page workbook is designed to assist leaders at all stages of their careers, from those just stepping into leadership roles to seasoned executives seeking to refine their skills.

 

Early Reviews for Ingenious Leadership

“Melissa Morriss-Olson’s Ingenious Leadership offers fresh ideas from one of the leading optimists in higher education. This work brilliantly captures the essence of what it takes to lead with ingenuity in today’s complex academic landscape. Morriss-Olson’s explor-ation of how the most effective leaders cut through clutter to find focus, discern critical priorities, and balance scale with laser-focused clarity is particularly compelling. As someone deeply engaged with institutional challenges, I find this book’s roadmap for transform-ative leadership invaluable. It’s an essential read for those seeking to lead with ingenuity and intentionality in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.”
-Robert Gray Atkins, CEO, Gray Decision Intelligence, Inc.

“Melissa Morriss-Olson’s Ingenious Leadership is an essential blueprint for higher education leaders navigating today’s complex landscape. Drawing from real-world experiences, this work highlights how innovative thinking and a relentless focus on student success can transform institutions. As a leader who has championed adaptability and data-driven decision-making, I find Morriss-Olson’s insights on fostering a culture of innovation particularly compelling.”
-Gary Brahm, Chancellor Emeritus, UMass Global

“Ingenious Leadership offers a practical, refreshing and cleverly narrated view inside higher education leadership today. Melissa Morris-Olson captures the full experience of leading — not only the skills needed, but also, the mindset and the humanity. As someone who has championed equity and inclusion, I appreciate her focus on leveraging diverse perspectives and fostering a culture of belonging. This is an enjoyable read and a valuable resource for current and aspiring higher education leaders.”
-Donna Carroll, President Emerita, Dominican University and President, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities

“Melissa Morriss-Olson’s Ingenious Leadership is a call to action for higher education leaders. It challenges us to be bold, embrace change, and lead with purpose in an era of unprecedented complexity. Through real-world examples of innovative leadership, this book inspires us to reimagine our institutions and empower our students. As someone who has navigated the evolving landscape of higher education as president for over a decade, I find this work not just timely, but transformative. It is an essential resource for leaders committed to shaping a bold, responsive future for higher education.”
-Barbara A. Farley, President, Illinois College

“Melissa Morriss-Olson’s Ingenious Leadership is a transformative guide for higher education leaders navigating today’s complex landscape. This work resonates deeply with my experience in system redesign, emphasizing the critical importance of adaptive leadership, design thinking, and effective execution in driving meaningful change. Morriss-Olson’s focus on leaders able to navigate uncertainty and see opportunities where others perceive barriers is particularly compelling. Her insights on cultivating resilience, fostering a culture of belonging, and leading with purpose are invaluable for anyone seeking to reimagine higher education for the 21st century. This book is an essential resource for leaders committed to innovative, mission-driven transformation in our sector.”
-Daniel Greenstein, Chancellor Emeritus, Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and Managing Director, Baker Tilly, Higher Education Practice

“Higher education is going through unprecedented change, much of it with no playbook to follow. Leadership will require imagination, courage, and fresh thinking. This book couldn’t have come along at a better time. It is very much of the moment, though the lessons collected here can inform the work of years to come and inspire those navigating the unknown seas before us.”
-Paul LeBlanc, Former President, Southern New Hampshire University and Co-Founder and Board Chair, Human Systems

“Recurring change and uncertainty create a new era of leadership in higher education. Melissa Morriss-Olson masterfully analyzes her unique and inspiring conversations with nearly a hundred leaders from many different types of institutions encountering many different challenges, who each personally share how the ever-changing landscape of higher education has transformed their leadership values, mindset, and strategies. A common set of attributes, qualities, and values emerge from her analysis which embodies the new leader for the new higher education. The book is timely and critical for higher education.”
-Stephen Lehmkuhle, Chancellor Emeritus, University of Minnesota Rochester

“Melissa Morriss-Olson’s Ingenious Leadership is a vital contribution to our understanding of effective leadership in higher education. Drawing from real-world experiences of diverse leaders, this book offers invaluable insights into navigating the complex challenges facing our institutions today. As someone who has championed access and opportunity for underserved students, I particularly appreciate how this work emphasizes the importance of empathy, listening, and adaptability in leadership. This is an essential read for anyone committed to transforming lives through higher education.”
-Elsa Núñez, President Emerita, Eastern Connecticut State University

“Few would argue that we face a crisis of leadership in higher education today. The sector is more volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous than it has been in decades, and traditional approaches to leadership and problem-solving are inadequate to deal with today’s challenges. No one is better able to advise both current and aspiring leaders on how to thrive in this environment than Melissa Morriss-Olson. Ingenious Leadership is a wise, practical, and indispensable guide.”
-David J. Staley, The Ohio State University, author of Alternative Universities: Speculative Design for Innovation in Higher Education and Knowledge Towns: Colleges and Universities as Talent Magnets

 

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