Written by Stan Arterberry
Change does not come easily.
As CEO you do not have immediate respect – you must earn respect.
You must see the “Big Picture,” not the nuts and bolts or day-to-day operations.
You must walk your talk. Your deeds and words must match.
As CEO you are a symbolic leader. Your presence to represent your institution is expected at social and other events. You must be seen on your campus – be visible and accessible to staff.
Be appreciative – let people know that you appreciate their contributions.
Empowerment – trust your subordinates.
Do not outdistance your organization, staff, and community; you must stay in touch.
Resources – we will never have enough resources to meet our real educational needs.
Focus on ‘us’ not ‘me.” There is no ‘I’ in ‘team.’ A CEO’s success is dependent upon others.
Do not let people get you down. Keep things in perspective.
Do not negotiate your values. You cannot sell your values to keep a job or get support. You must stay true to your values and principles.
Show respect to those who work with you.
Stay focused. Define your target and then keep your eye on it. We tend to move toward what we focus our attention on. When you focus your energy on the obstacles in your path, you spend time and energy dealing with those obstacles rather than getting where you want to go.
You will not have answers to all of the questions – be honest, ask for help.
All staff want to be successful in education. Allow success to be achieved. Think positively and pay attention to positive people.
Civility is a virtue of a successful person.
Save face. Allow opponents to have an out. Create a win-win situation.
Be visionary. If you only look at the present, you will fail. You must look at the future. Ask yourself, “Where do we want to go as an organization?”
Copyright 1998: Stan R. Arterberry, Chancellor Emeritus
West Valley Mission Community College District
President/CEO
Arterberry & Associates Educational Consultants