Blog from Natalie B. Milman, Associate Dean, Office of Student Life; Professor, Educational Technology Leadership
The three pillars of an academic’s work are teaching, research, and service. For some scholars, these responsibilities are distinct and rarely intersect; however, for me, there is significant overlap and reciprocity—a symbiotic relationship in practice— in which my teaching, research, and service influence and complement one another. What I learn and do in one pillar impacts the others and vice versa. Central to each pillar is leadership, “the ability of an individual to influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute toward the effectiveness and success of the organization…” (House et al., 1999, as cited in Yukl, 2013, p. 3). As I have taken on leadership roles both within and outside of GW, the opportunity to participate in the GW Academic Leadership Academy (GWALA) to develop inclusive, service-oriented leadership skills and knowledge could not have come at a better time in my career, and I am very grateful for the opportunity!
Participating in the GWALA cultivated learning about leadership in ways that I would not have been able to achieve on my own. Effective, inclusive, service-oriented leadership requires developing and applying myriad skills and participating in continuous learning. It involves looking inward and reflecting on one’s knowledge, skills, and dispositions, as a leader. Most importantly, GWALA provided the structure, activities, and interaction with other academic leaders to explore deeply what it means to be a leader and what are some ways that we can improve as leaders. It also offered numerous resources that I can review and use when needed. GWALA provided all of this in an open, safe learning environment, over the course of several months. Along those lines, GWALA reminded me that learning takes time and experience, and it is incremental. Some important lessons will be realized later on when I can apply them.
Reflecting on key leadership lessons, what stands out is the cumulative lessons learned over time and engagement with others, as well as the different activities in helping me interrogate how I approach leadership and how to improve as a leader. GWALA’s monthly sessions provided many different readings, activities, and resources that I have used to foster better leadership and that I will continue returning to and reflecting on as I dive deeper into my current leadership role (one that I started in January of 2024). I especially appreciated the presentations by different leaders from across GW and their candid answers to questions. Another key takeaway is the need to continue learning and networking, as well as the time it takes to develop and grow. GWALA has provided a strong foundation from which to build. I still plan to take advantage of opportunities such as the 360 Multi-rater Leadership Feedback and Coaching—and know that it will provide important opportunities to further my learning and growth.
Reference
Yukl, G. (2006). Leadership in organizations (6th ed.). Prentice Hall.