New Visions
What do Willamette’s 13 newest faculty members think about leadership?
Laura Taylor, senior instructor of economics: “The best leaders are effective not because of their actions, but because of their restraint. The goal should always be to encourage others to act for themselves. That being said, when purposiveness is required during challenging times, you must be ready, able and willing to fulfill this role.”
Lisa Alexander, Lausanne graduate fellow: “From Captain John Sheridan, ‘If more of our so-called leaders would walk the same streets as the people who voted them in, live in the same buildings, eat the same food instead of hiding behind glass and steel and bodyguards, maybe we’d get better leadership and a little more concern for the future.’”
Kelley Strawn, assistant professor of sociology: “Leadership is different things in different circumstances. For example, leadership in a crisis is providing stability, direction and a focal point around which people can rally. I’m rather fond of the characterization of ‘leaders’ as those who motivate people to help themselves, then let those people take credit for their own successes.”
Emily Drew, assistant professor of sociology and American ethnic studies: “Leadership is about inspiring, motivating and providing technical assistance to people as they endeavor to gain a sense of their own power. At our finest, leaders work with others in collective processes that transform self, others and society.”
Joyce Millen, assistant professor of anthropology: “From Nelson Mandela: ‘A leader is like a shepherd. He or she stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.’”
Cecily McCaffrey, assistant professor of history: “Leadership is the ability to act with authority and compassion.”
Ana Montero, assistant professor of Spanish: “Leadership is being yourself while helping others be themselves.”
Jeremy Miller, assistant professor of psychology: “Benjamin Disraeli once said, ‘I must follow the people. Am I not their leader?’ To me, a good leader always considers the best interests of those he is responsible for.”
Manohar Singh, associate professor of finance, AGSM: “A true leader is the one who empowers people and prepares them to walk with rather than follow him.”
Amadou Fofana, assistant professor of French: “Leadership is being goal-oriented and being able to relate to and involve a variety of people from different backgrounds and aptitudes in the process of achieving a common goal.”
Scott Pike, assistant professor of environmental and earth science: “When we think about leadership, we tend to focus on the person with the formal power. But real leadership is found at all levels. Real leadership, no matter where we are in the chain of command, is diligently staying informed and circumspect so we can hold ourselves as well as others accountable, so we know when to act, when to support and when to question.”
Heken Wu, associate professor of music: “To be a visionary thinker. To lead, not follow. To create, not imitate. To see the future, not only the present. Self-reflection is also essential for an enlightened leader.”
Greg Felker, assistant professor of Asian and international politics: “Leadership is the devotion of one’s personal gifts to help the community flourish. It requires both a vision of the group’s needs and potential, as well as an honest assessment of one’s own abilities. Leadership entails offering the community not only one’s particular talents, but also a perennial readiness to learn and change alongside colleagues.”