THE MANY HATS OF A CEO JUST WHAT

THE MANY HATS OF A CEO JUST WHAT IS THIS JOB ANYWAY? ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES, OPPORTUNITIES Dr. Dianne Van Hook – April 3, 2015

IN THIS SESSION OF LEAP, WE WILL EXPLORE: • • • The many roles/responsibilities of the Community College CEO The different functions of a campus-level president and district-level Chancellor What a CEO actually DOES: An up-close view of the daily life of the CEO on campus Off-campus responsibilities of the CEO The Roles of a CEO are Ever-Changing LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 2

THE MANY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CEO LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 3

A CEO PROVIDES LEADERSHIP The CEO has the primary responsibility for the quality of the institution they lead. They: • Provide effective leadership in planning, organizing, budgeting, selecting and developing personnel, and assessing institutional effectiveness. • Plan, oversee, and evaluate an administrative structure organized and staffed to reflect the institutions’ purposes, size and complexity. • Delegate authority to administrators and others consistent with their responsibilities, as appropriate. LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 4

A CEO GUIDES IMPROVEMENT The CEO guides institutional improvement of the teaching and learning environment by: • Establishing processes that set values, goals, and priorities. • Ensuring that evaluation and planning rely on high-quality research and analysis • Ensuring that educational planning is integrated with resource planning and distribution to achieve student learning outcomes • Establishing procedures to evaluate overall institutional planning and implementation efforts LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 5

A CEO PROVIDES VISION FOR THE FUTURE CEOs must have vision • They share a dream and direction that other people want to share and follow • The leadership vision goes beyond the institution’s mission statement and our personal vision statement: o The vision of leadership sets the tone for the workplace and is manifested in the actions, beliefs, values and goals of all of the organization’s leaders, especially the CEO. LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 6

A CEO INITIATES POLICY By: • Identifying broad policy implications inherent in issues and agenda items (presented for board discussion) • Establishing and managing a system for periodic review of Board policy • Moving forward actions to shape the face of the college. A CEO must be ready and willing to do what it takes to get the job done. LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 7

A CEO SHAPES CHANGE By • Understanding that changing an organization is about getting the right people on board with them. • Finding agile leaders and mentoring them to be inspired and invigorated by change. • Sharing a clear and powerful vison of their organization’s future communicating the vision is just as important as the vision itself. • Leading conversations with the goal of transparently discussing upcoming changes. • Adjusting the course of their colleges and navigating accordingly in the face of change. LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 8

In order to shape change, CEOs share their vision to motivate and inspire others. They believe “Pigs Can Fly”! LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 9

“I CAN’T CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF THE WIND, BUT I CAN ADJUST MY SAILS. ” LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO JIMMY DEAN 10

A CEO ORCHESTRATES PLANNING EFFORTS By • Anticipating and articulating future trends and needs • Leading and managing visionary and comprehensive planning processes • Articulating the mission, vision and goals • Working in partnership with the board and ensuring that: o Planning responds to current and future community needs o All district plans are linked o College operations and budgets are aligned with plans • Building for the future LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 11

A CEO OVERSEES LEGAL AFFAIRS A Leader Stays Abreast of Legal Actions & Provides Counsel and: • Recommends appropriate legal counsel to advise the board • Informs the board of legal counsel used to advise the college • Informs the board of threats of legal action and lawsuits • Keeps the board informed of progress on and outcomes of legal matters • Prepares summaries and analyses that review all options for the board when board action is required on legal issues • Ensures that the district has adequate liability protection LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 12

A CEO COPES WITH THE LAWS AND ENSURES THAT THE DISTRICT: • Abides by local, state and federal laws and legal intent • Uses legal counsel prudently • Is aware of laws and regulations that affect the institution • Informs the board and new trustees about major laws and regulations • Ensures that administrative procedures exist and are followed to comply with the law and regulations • Monitors compliance and report to the board • Advises the board about laws and regulations that affect the board LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 13

A CEO ENSURES THE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE • INSTITUTION stability in: Promotes fiscal health and o Budgeting o Financial activity o Asset protection and management o Fundraising and grants o Monitoring fiscal health • Establishes and enforces administrative procedures that implement board policy and ensure the legal, ethical and prudent management of college resources • Presents clear and informative budgets and reports to the board • Keeps the board informed about the financial status of the district LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 14

A CEO INSPIRES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS THAT MEET THE COMMUNITY’S NEEDS By providing: • • General Oversight Fair Treatment of Students Inspirational Academic Programs & Services Accountability for the Institutional Effectiveness Educational programming runs the gamut from honors to launching photomicrography programs (right). LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 15

A CEO PROMOTES THE As leaders, our overarching goal is to make sure that everything we INSTITUTION goals and delivers what we promise do relates back to these four to our students and the community (measure and communicate results) • Opportunity • Quality • Accountability • Sustainability LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 16

A CEO MANAGES CONFLICT By • Understanding different perspectives until a solution emerges • Handling difficult people and tense situations tactfully • Identifying potential conflicts and helping to de-escalate the situation • Encouraging and leading open discussions • Working for win-win solutions while maintaining high standards LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 17

A CEO COMMUNICATES A ACCURATELY leader must pay attention to the quality of their communication. Tips for successful communication include: • • • Remain approachable and flexible Prepare in advance Stay focused on the “big picture” Recognize opportunities Take planned risks Share ideas Ask questions Express gratitude Don’t embellish or exaggerate Avoid inaccuracies LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 18

A CEO CREATES TEAMWORK AND INSPIRES COLLABORATION By: • Modeling respect, helpfulness, and cooperation • Ensuring teams work well so that turnover and absenteeism decline and productivity increases • Inspiring strong teamwork and collaborative skills: o Drawing all members into actual participation o Building a team identity and commitment o Protecting the group and sharing credit LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 19

A CEO INITIATES CHANGE that empowerment is not A self-leader realizes something that is done to you, it is something you do for yourself. One finds the “power” in empowerment when one: • • Takes risks and gains insight Takes responsibility and achieves freedom Takes initiative and creates opportunity Takes your own counsel and discovers wisdom LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 20

A CEO INITIATES In a world crying out for effective leadership, CHANGE you need to begin with the most obvious source – YOU! • Begin by questioning the emotional reality and cultural norms underlying daily activities and behaviors • Initiate change by: o Recognizing the need for change o Challenging the status quo o Making compelling arguments for change o Finding practical ways to overcome barriers to change LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 21

CEOs recognize the need for change and embrace “new-fangled ideas”! LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 22

A CEO RAISES FUNDS AND FRIENDS This important duty has many facets and requires that the CEO: • Contributes time (20%) • Makes contact to see where collaboration with prospects may lead • Opens doors • Supports the work of volunteers • Creates stretch goals • Mentors staff • Involves others o Institutional advancement, College Planning Team, Executive Cabinet, Full Cabinet. • Makes connections, introduces and brings people together LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 23

A CEO INSPIRES OTHERS (& THEMSELVES!) Inspiration is a powerful component of the CEO’s repertoire. It: • Works as a catalyst • Seldom comes from “one thing” • Allows you to employ various techniques • Works best when there is an end/goal/purpose-student success • Is highly contagious • Gives you “role power” • Is driven by human emotion LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 24

A CEO INFLUENCES OTHERS By: • Managing emotions effectively • Skillfully winning people over by listening and networking with them • Fine tuning what they are going to say to appeal/respond to the listeners • Willingly uses a variety of strategies to build support LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 25

“How many of us have enough trust, strength and faith to believe that we could do the impossible? ” -Rachel Joy Scott LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 26

A CEO THRIVES IN A CONNECTED WORLD connected world. The role of the CEO in today’s world takes on We are living in a new challenges and demands: • Speed and agility are essential due to shorter and shorter timelines • The need for new ways of diagnosing and solving problems • The need to forge new solutions since other have become obsolete • Competency in envisioning and achieving goals stretching beyond the initial problem, beyond organizational walls • The need to think for the long term despite uncertainties about the future • The need to be interdependent and involve perspective early on • The ability to dialog and negotiate with familiar and unfamiliar people and groups • The ability to face un-paralled ethical dilemmas, unimagined circumstances, relationships and opportunities LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 27

THE DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS OF A CAMPUS-LEVEL PRESIDENT AND A DISTRICT-LEVEL CHANCELLOR LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 28

HOW DO FUNCTIONS OF A CAMPUSLEVEL PRESIDENT AND DISTRICTLEVEL CHANCELLOR DIFFER? President (College Level) Superintendent/Chancellor (District Level) Works for the Chancellor Works for the Board Focuses on what is happening at the college level Focuses on what is happening on a district-wide basis, in the community and at the State/Federal levels LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 29

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A SINGLE V. MULTICAMPUS DISTRICT? Single (Superintendent/President) Multi (Chancellor) Simpler Complicated Few intra-college struggles On-site competition and raiding of resources Easier to communicate People are less familiar with each other More flexible Complicated Takes fewer steps to get it done Everything takes longer One college one focus Accountability is more difficult No inter-campus competition LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 30

DISTRICT LEVEL CEOS MUST COMMUNICATE TO THE BOARD OF • Keeps the Board informed regarding College TRUSTEES issues including problems, potential problems, • • • positive accomplishments and events on campus Provides recommendations regarding polices and issues which come to the Board of Trustees Relays objective and factual information to the Board on agenda action items to allow them to make an informed decision Works with the Board to develop guidelines and parameters for the collective bargaining process Asks for advice and support when he/she needs it Publicly supports the Board LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 31

WHY IS CEO/BOARD OF TRUSTEES TEAMWORK IMPORTANT? From a CEO Perspective: • Provides counsel and support, both within the college district as well as in the community • Ensures that credibility is maximized for all concerned • Motivates and inspires • Serves as a resource for each other • Creates a climate for developing effective strategies LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 32

WHY IS CEO/BOARD OF TRUSTEES TEAMWORK IMPORTANT? From a Trustee Perspective: • Establishes a climate which ensures stability in Trustee, CEO, and Administrative leadership • Serves to motivate and support CEO/Board of Trustees • Enhances college district standing in the community • Creates a political impact -- forging a base of support for the college district • Enables trustees to accomplish individual goals (and Board goals) • Moves the District toward its strategic goals • Creates fiscal stability, flexibility and a responsive LEAP-The District Many Roles of a CEO A strong relationship between the CEO and the Board members allows both sides to accomplish individual goals as well as Board goals. 33

WHY IS CEO/BOARD OF TRUSTEES TEAMWORK IMPORTANT? From Anyone’s Perspective: • Provides the ability to observe the impact the college has had on students’ lives and the community • Helps to build relationships with people in the community • Provides structure to implement ideas and see them work • Creates a feeling of pride • Allows others to participate in a focused effort to move the college forward • Makes differences in ways no other organization can LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 34

WHAT A CEO ACTUALLY DOES: AN UP-CLOSE VIEW OF THE DAILY LIFE OF THE CEO ON CAMPUS LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 35

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. ” ~Abraham Lincoln LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 36

A CEO SUPPORTS & COACHES THE COLLEGE’S GREATEST RESOURCE–HUMAN BEINGS The area of Human Resources includes all personnel and employment issues, and is subject to numerous state and federal laws and regulations. • The CEO works with the Board to address: o Hiring and other personnel practices o Treatment of personnel o Professional development o Salaries, benefits and collective bargaining • The CEO ensures that personnel recruitment and hiring processes are: o Fair, legal, and comply with laws o Result in good applicant pools o Reflect well on the institution • The CEO seeks to achieve that staff diversity reflects college and community populations. • The CEO forwards personnel actions to the board as required; informs the board about other key personnel issues. LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 37

SUPERVISING THE COLLEGE’S GREATEST RESOURCE–HUMAN BEINGS By helping others to be right – versus looking for things that are wrong; and: • • Looking for ways to make new ideas work rather than reasons why they won’t Avoiding negative or preconceived assumptions (when in doubt, checks it out!) Helping each team member win and take pride in others’ victories Speaking positively about each other and the organization at every opportunity Maintaining a positive mental attitude no matter what the circumstances Acting with initiative and courage, as if it all depends on you Doing everything with enthusiasm – it’s contagious. Whatever you desire – power, respect, enthusiasm, compassion, recognition – give it away first. What goes around comes around. LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 38

A CEO INVESTS TIME AND EFFORT IN DEVELOPING OTHERS By: • Acknowledging and rewarding people’s strengths and accomplishments • Offering helpful feedback • Identifying and sharing opportunities for further growth • Mentoring, coaching, and offering tasks that challenge and develop a person’s skills LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 39

A CEO DEVELOPS MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS BY RECOGNIZING THAT: • • People matter! We don’t get it done alone We need followers and leaders When all is said and done, it is the relationships, the memories of time with others that we will hold onto that will motivate us LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 40

A CEO GETS INVOLVED! Governing and community based organizations require boards and CEO’s to be active participants in their communities and ensure strong collegecommunity connections. • Community relations roles and tasks may involve: o Community engagement o Marketing and media relations o Foundation support o Formulating partnerships LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 41

A CEO EMPOWERS OTHERS By being an advocate, being present, communicating goals to the team; and • Taking an active role in helping to define the goals of the team. • Using their skills to complement the skills of other team members. • Taking responsibility for team progress. • Being willing to play the role of devil’s advocate when necessary. LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 42

A CEO LEADS ON ALL FRONTS The CEO Leader • Serves as an active community leader • Participates in state and/or national associations and conferences • Becomes involved in state and/or national leadership positions where there is a vacuum • Figures out where their passion and expertise will best benefit others • Blazes trails • Discovers new territory LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 43

OFF-CAMPUS RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CEO LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 45

On-Campus Duties Are Many! • • • • Direct & choreograph Put partnerships together Coach/counsel Listen to other people Respond to mandates, compliance & requirements Balance & negotiate Envision & break ground Develop strategy Listen to other people Develop solutions Mentor Oversee day-to-day operations Manage risks (legal issues) LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 46

Off-Campus Duties Keep the CEO Moving! • • • LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO Plant seeds, cultivate Community Relations Advocate Attend events w/business partners & donors Manage media relations Market Fundraise Friend-raise Build relationships Make deals Create alliances Develop partnerships 47

“Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong. ” - LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO Peter Mc. Intyre 48

OFF CAMPUS: THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CEO In addition to their on-campus scope of duties, the CEO is also responsible for: CONTINUE! and involvement • Community relations • Advocacy – local and statewide Off-campus duties run the gamut from attending COC driven fundraisers to events sponsored by the City, individuals and our business partners (and so much more). LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 49

A CEO is the Chief Advocate within the Policy and Political Domain Legislative Relations Matter! • The CEO can shape possibilities • Legislative support is important for institutional success • The Board and CEO play key roles in working with legislators and garnering support. The area of legislative relations includes: o Understanding policy trends and issues o Establishing and communicating priorities and needs o Advocating on behalf of the institution • The CEO establishes processes and stays up-to-date on policy issues and trends • The CEO monitors and gathers relevant information • The CEO ensures the board is aware of policy issues and trends o Provides summaries of key points o Forwards legislative alerts and other relevant information to the board • The CEO designs Board agendas to allow time to discuss issues • The CEO provides background analysis of key initiatives to enable the Board to take a LEAP-The 50 position Many Roles of a CEO

A CEO Focuses on Process and Case Building By • Evaluating the context • Developing the strategy • Setting the priorities • Delineating functions • Communicating the message • Building support and buy-in • Clearly articulating the impact • Thanking people LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 51

A CEO Drives Community Relations By: • Ensuring that district programs respond to community needs • Advocating for and supporting the college in the community • Establishing the college district as the face of the community • Maintaining links with business, government and community leaders • Leading and administering programs that: • Reflect a positive image for the college • Engender community support for the college • Ensure strong college and community connections LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO Strong relationships with community partners such as ADI have proved to be fruitful in both funds and friends. 52

A CEO is a Public Figure On and Off Campus Don’t be The successful CEO is visible and strategic on campus, in the community, and at state and national events; and: • Attends student and faculty events • Represents the college district as the official “face” of the college • Deals with ambiguity • Demonstrates awareness and compassion • Able to deal with ambiguity • Networks • Inspires others • Fuels others’ creativity and actions • Inspires, motivates, and gives people hope • Generates momentum • Draws others in to join LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO invisible! Reach out, attend meetings, parties, classes. 53

THE ROLES OF A CEO ARE EVERCHANGING – YOU HAVE TO NAVIGATE THE WATERS! LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 54

THE ROLES OF A CEO ARE EVERCHANGING! able to work in a climate where the A successful CEO is multiplicity of roles they fulfill is ever-changing. CEOs possess a wide range of skills, abilities, strengths, and attributes: • Analytical mind • Critical thinker • Commitment to the community and the college system • Excellent planning skills • Resourceful • Energetic • Determined and tenacious • Fiscally and politically astute …and, an ability to wear many hats! LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 55

“You are not what you think you are, but what you think – you are. ” ~Dr. Norman Vincent Peale LEAP-The Many Roles of a CEO 56