Identify a person in higher education who is in a position of leadership and would be willing to participate in a short interview (10-15 minutes) about leadership characteristics in higher education.
Explain to this person that you are completing an assignment as part of the requirements for your MSHE program. In addition, explain the purpose of the assignment: To assess specific qualities of leadership and management characteristics in a higher education context.
Obtain permission to interview and explain to him or her that he or she will not be identified by name or institution in the Final Project.
Set a time and conditions (e.g., phone, email, Skype, etc.) for the interview and conduct the interview.
To help get started with the interview, you may want to consider some of the following questions:
What attracted you to a position of leadership in higher education?
What do you like most about leadership in higher education?
What are the most challenging issues you face in your position and what leadership skills and abilities are most important to meet those challenges?
What do you feel are the most critical attributes a leader should possess to be successful in higher education?
In your opinion, how are those attributes best developed?