Welcome to ‘Running the Race,’ an essential workbook designed for individuals transitioning into new leadership roles within higher education. This comprehensive guide stands out as a pivotal resource, helping you navigate the complex landscape of your new position. Through this workbook, you will create a unique 3-6 month roadmap, tailored to your specific needs and the context of your institution.

Transitioning into a leadership role can feel overwhelming. You might have attended numerous workshops that provide theoretical knowledge, but they often lack a focus on your unique skills and the specific challenges you will face. ‘Running the Race’ bridges this gap by emphasizing context, allowing you to develop a personalized strategy for your first months in your new role.

Key Features of the Workbook:

As you immerse yourself in the workbook, you will confront several critical aspects of leadership:

• The intricate power dynamics at your new institution
• Building relationships during the crucial initial days
• Team building essentials
• Shared governance principles
• Planning for the legacy you will leave behind

The authors, a retired university president and a former university provost, bring decades of experience in guiding leaders through their careers in higher education. Their insights and experiences serve as a foundation for the exercises and reflections provided in this workbook.

Utilizing case studies and practical activities, you will have the opportunity to engage in self-reflection, set goals, and identify the most important tasks to address within your first six months. This roadmap will act as an organizing touchstone for your entire journey, from receiving the leadership baton to passing it on to the next generation of leaders.

Reviews from industry experts highlight the workbook’s effectiveness:

‘When you plan to start a new leadership position and are determined to be outrageously successful, ‘Running the Race’ is a must read and reread. It powerfully presents foundational information, practice-based exercises, and activities that take you quickly from ideas to action. This is a workbook that you should use again and again throughout your career.’ – Karen M. Whitney, Ph.D., Advisor/Interim-Leader/Consultant and President Emerita, Clarion University

‘Running the Race is an indispensable guide for higher education administrators, especially those about to enter a new position. The workbook’s interactive format encourages users to probe their own experiences and to situate themselves within the new institutional role they will assume. Although written primarily for job-changers, the volume’s many case studies include dilemmas that can arise at any point in an administrative career.’ – Nancy Kleniewski, President Emerita, State University of New York at Oneonta

In conclusion, ‘Running the Race’ is not just a workbook; it’s a roadmap to courageous and confident leadership in higher education. Prepare to hit the ground running and make the most of your leadership journey!