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In a brand new episode of the HigherEdJobs Podcast, co-host Andy Hibel and visitor co-host Monika Sziron welcomed Dr. Annmarie Caño, a psychology professor at Gonzaga College and former dean, to discover the nuanced journey from peer to supervisor in academia. Drawing from her numerous and progressive management experiences, Dr. Caño supplied each private reflections {and professional} recommendation on navigating this shift.
Caño started by sharing her unconventional begin as a “trailing partner” in academia, first working as a lecturer earlier than shifting into tenure-track positions and finally administrative roles. She famous that her management journey wasn’t deliberate — as a substitute, she was “tapped” for a number of positions when others seen her collaborative nature and talent to execute successfully. She served as an affiliate chair, then affiliate provost, and at last dean on the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Gonzaga College throughout the top of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The episode centered largely on the dynamics that happen when shifting right into a supervisory function, notably throughout the similar establishment. Caño emphasised that whereas an individual might really feel the identical, their new title (and authority) inevitably alters how they’re perceived by former friends. She confused the significance of recognizing and respecting this shift and fostering wholesome work habits, comparable to discovering a coach or fellow chief (relatively than former friends) you’ll be able to vent to. Specifically, she shared that studying what one is allowed to share versus what have to be saved confidential is commonly a difficult but important talent for brand new leaders.
Hibel inquired concerning the distinction in notion between individuals appointed to management roles versus those that apply. Oftentimes, actively looking for a management place may be considered because the particular person “going to the darkish facet.” Caño suggested leaders to be clear about their motives, notably if pushed by a need to enhance the work atmosphere or their colleagues. Illustrating these service-minded causes for pursuing a management function will help ease any tensions and diffuse any suspicions out of your colleagues.
Caño additionally touched on a few of the surprising tasks of mid-level educational leaders, comparable to serving as translators between higher administration and school. She recounted her expertise throughout the pandemic, the place she incessantly distilled lengthy institutional emails into clear motion objects for college members. This function was essential, serving to college get the knowledge they wanted.
Towards the top of the episode, Sziron turned the dialog to the idea of collaboration, asking how a peer-supervisor relationship will be extra collaborative and constructive. Caño challenged the concept that collaboration is freed from battle and mentioned there’ll inevitably be disagreement due to so many various individuals coming to the desk. She additionally advocated for leaders to follow what she known as “accompaniment” — encouraging them to really hearken to their crew’s struggles, put themselves in others’ sneakers, and work collectively on options.
For extra detailed ideas and recommendation from Dr. Caño and a glimpse at how early-career professionals can put together for efficient management, hearken to the complete podcast under.