When I served in a cabinet-level leadership role, my leadership style was rooted in my belief that success was determined by strategy, collaboration, and execution alone. I had a clear vision and a strong sense of responsibility, but what I did not realize at the time was that there was a powerful tool – leadership coaching – that could amplify my effectiveness in ways I could not anticipate.
Looking back, I can’t help but wonder how much smoother some challenges would have been, how much more I could have developed as a leader, and how much stronger my team could have become, if I had embraced coaching earlier. With the benefit of hindsight, rooted in my growing knowledge of coaching, I am confident that leadership coaching would have been an invaluable asset – both for my own growth and the success of my team. This is the power of coaching: the ability to unlock untapped potential, overcome obstacles with greater ease, and evolve as a leader in ways that go beyond what I can do on my own.
Higher education is facing profound challenges. Our students, institutions, and communities are grappling with uncertainty, burnout, and ongoing crises. The world is in a state of flux, with global unrest, shifting educational landscapes, and diverse stakeholders pulling in different directions. Higher education leaders are tasked with navigating this turbulent environment, making difficult decisions, responding to crises, and ultimately guiding their institutions toward the future.
In such uncertain times, offering targeted support through leadership coaching is not merely a luxury—it’s a necessity. Coaching provides leaders with a confidential, reflective space to think through their decisions, strengthen their leadership abilities, and develop strategic thinking. By partnering with a coach, leaders gain clarity on their vision, build resilience, and sharpen their decision-making skills. Coaching does more than address day-to-day challenges; it equips leaders to think critically and strategically about the future—of their teams, their institutions, and their own growth. It is a practice, an ongoing opportunity to reflect and learn, not just when a crisis is at hand.
Coaching as a Catalyst for Self-Discovery and Leadership Growth
Coaching isn’t about someone telling you what to do; it’s about guiding you to discover the answers that are right for you. In times when there are no easy answers, coaching serves as a powerful resource, helping leaders uncover new approaches and strategies. It’s a highly relational process that fosters a supportive environment where leaders can reflect on their experiences, make sense of complex situations, and engage in deep, personal growth. In an age marked by isolation and overwhelm, having a coach who is present with you can be invaluable. Coaching offers not just one solution but a doorway to an array of tools, strategies, and insights that help leaders feel more equipped to tackle their most pressing challenges.
For example, a dean new to their role found through working with an AI coach partner a greater sense of confidence in setting administrative priorities. This came about because of talking through various approaches with their coach. Having this confidential space to share ideas and uncover assumptions they were making about ‘how things had to be done’ allowed them a more clear picture of their options and eventually the decisions to make.
Building Emotional Intelligence and Strengthening Relationships
One of the most critical aspects of leadership, particularly in turbulent times, is emotional intelligence—the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions while also navigating the emotions of others. This is especially important in higher education, where leaders must maintain stability, build trust, and manage complex interpersonal dynamics. Coaching helps leaders refine their emotional intelligence, giving them the tools to mediate conflicts, communicate effectively, and inspire their teams. A leader who is emotionally intelligent fosters stronger relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the broader community, which in turn cultivates a more cohesive and resilient institution.
Leaders often share the challenge of communicating their needs, and successes, to their supervisor, in service of building trust and advocating for their team. Working with a coach creates a space where you can explore what may motivate your supervisor and then talk through how to best share updates and requests in a way that resonates with their priorities. This skill of managing up is critically important in leading when there are so many conflicting priorities.
Adapting to Evolving Leadership Demands
The role of a leader in higher education has transformed dramatically in recent years. As institutions face mounting pressures—ranging from financial uncertainty to shifting student expectations—the skill set required to lead successfully has expanded. Coaching offers leaders a structured, supportive environment to develop the adaptability, creativity, and innovation needed to meet these evolving demands. This is particularly critical in a climate where universities must balance short-term agility with long-term vision.
When working with a coach to develop resilience in your leadership, you may explore questions such as:
- What stories are you telling yourself about this situation?
- What future can you imagine if this new idea is successful?
- How does this current challenge relate to the mission of your institution/department?
- What does that tell you about possible options to move forward?
Coaching as an Investment in Institutional Success
Ultimately, investing in leadership coaching is an investment in the future of the institution itself. Well-supported leaders are more likely to inspire and motivate their teams, promote a culture of collaboration and excellence, and make thoughtful, strategic decisions that benefit the entire community. By partnering with a coach, higher education leaders can develop the resilience, vision, and leadership capacity necessary to navigate the challenges of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.
At Academic Impressions, our coaching partnership is rooted in trust. We work with leaders who are facing extraordinary challenges, and we bring a unique combination of deep higher education leadership experience and expert coaching knowledge. We are committed to helping leaders grow and thrive—especially during the most difficult times.
Embracing a Coaching Mindset
Before engaging with a coach, adopting a “coaching mindset” can help you approach challenges more effectively. Start by asking yourself: “What’s one small step I can take today that moves me forward?” This simple question can break down overwhelming challenges and help you focus on manageable, actionable steps. Shifting your mindset in this way not only helps you overcome immediate obstacles, but also sets the stage for long-term growth and leadership success.
This article emphasizes how leadership coaching can support higher education leaders in navigating uncertainty, strengthening their emotional intelligence, and adapting to evolving demands. By making this investment, leaders not only enhance their own development but also foster the success and resilience of their institutions.
Steady Leadership in Uncertain Times
Now more than ever, strong leadership is essential—but you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. We’re here to support you with strategies and resources to help you lead with confidence. Explore Now.
