You're facing obstacles in faculty-administration collaboration. How can you overcome power dynamics?

It is important to recognize and understand the obstacles that prevent collaboration between faculty and administration in academic institutions. These barriers usually arise from a lack of communication, conflicting priorities, and the hierarchical structure of the organization. By acknowledging these challenges, steps can be taken to address them head-on. Open and honest communication is crucial, as well as the willingness to understand the unique pressures and goals of each group. Identifying these obstacles is the initial step towards bridging the gap and fostering a more collaborative relationship between faculty and administration.

As a former Director of Education at numerous schools, I have found that sharing information about the college with the faculty helps them understand where they fit in. If you are a really good administrator, you know how to make the important connections between what is happening in the classroom and how retention is faring overall. That's an important measurement. Poor communication tends to happen when groups aren't on the same page. They start to blame one another for deficiencies, but never address things directly. It takes strong communication strategies to assure that everyone knows they have a voice.

1. Establish Mutual Respect - Recognize and respect the expertise and contributions of both faculty and administration. Ensure that both sides feel valued. - Encourage a culture where collaboration and shared goals are prioritized over hierarchical structures. 2. Promote Open Communication - Establish regular, transparent communication channels where both faculty and administrators can voice their concerns and ideas without fear of retribution. - Practice active listening to understand the perspectives and motivations of both parties fully. 3. Set Common Goals - Work together to identify and articulate common goals that benefit the institution and its stakeholders. This alignment can help bridge power divides.

I think what happens at some for-profit institutions is that decisions are made on the fly at times and that doesn't work for anyone, especially adjuncts. Then, the Director of Education is going back to the faculty to explain another last minute decision. Over time, that erodes trust. I think communication is key to gaining support and trust from the faculty. That means high level administrators need to take a more active approach to communicating with the faculty. When I was a Campus Director in Hawaii, I was visible for the faculty and attended all of their meetings and events. My boss even came in from CA to show support. They had open access to head administration frequently. I love all my faculties, but this was a favorite. 🌺

Overcome obstacles in faculty-administration collaboration by building trust through open communication, transparency, and mutual respect. Foster a culture of listening and understanding, acknowledging each party's concerns and contributions. Create joint initiatives and involve all stakeholders in decision-making processes. Regularly share progress and successes, demonstrating a commitment to shared goals. This approach helps to bridge power dynamics and strengthen collaborative relationships.

I think the shared vision has to constantly be reinforced. In higher education, it's pretty much always "the student comes first." That really is the place to start your strategic planning process. I think it works really well to take small groups and mix people up both administrators and faculty. From those small groups, we can then get a lot of information. And then we can go through that information and start to build something with the faculty. I think it's important that they feel part of the strategy, they are the people who are with the students the most. Administrators can sometimes forget that.

Power struggles between faculty and administration are common in educational settings. To address this, begin by promoting open and respectful communication. Form joint committees that meet regularly to share ideas and address concerns from both sides. Ensure decision-making is transparent and that everyone's input is valued. Recognize the contributions of both faculty and administration, and focus on teamwork rather than hierarchy. Providing training in leadership and communication can also help create a more united and effective partnership.

Empower voices through inclusive dialogue and active participation. Ensure that all faculty members have opportunities to share their perspectives and contribute to decision-making processes. Create platforms for open discussions, encourage feedback, and recognize diverse viewpoints. By valuing and amplifying every voice, you can balance power dynamics and foster a more collaborative and equitable environment.

Faculty & Admin – sometimes on different planets! Here's how to build bridges, not walls: - Shared Vision: One goal: student success! Brainstorm together, break down silos. - Respect & Transparency ⚖️: Open communication, and acknowledge expertise on both sides. - United We Stand: Tackle common challenges (budget blues, student recruitment) as a team. - Problem-Solve Together: Collaborative solutions for better teaching, learning, universities! - Celebrate Wins: Show the power of working together. Success is sweeter when shared! The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized cooperation (Quran 5:2). Let's bridge the gap and create a thriving academic environment for all! #Collaboration #Education #Leadership