Developing effective leaders: Can it be done?

Argues that effective, formal leadership is crucial to the vitality of higher educational institutions. Tasks of higher education leaders, including envisioning a future, exercising symbolic leadership, & understanding institutional complexities, are analyzed to determine how individuals learn leadership skills, & ways to develop effective leadership in higher education are explored. It is contended that many institutions of higher education present obstacles to learning leadership & do not value leadership development for faculty & staff. An educational climate is sought that legitimizes learning leadership tasks through leadership opportunities, eg, new assignments & mentor programs. Higher education leaders must develop a complex view of their institutions, manage competing interests, & identify new leadership talent. 15 References. S. Davies