Abstract
I started reading this book in early Summer 2020, a few months into what has easily become the biggest challenge of leadership for many of us working in Higher Education (HE). At this time the scale of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated complexity of issues and difficulties were ever increasing. Reading a book about leadership might appear to be somewhat strange behaviour, as I was walking, breathing and sleeping leadership at the time, with little sign of any respite. The book therefore had to persist in a disjointed approach to both reading and reflection on its content – and it has stood up to this somewhat extreme test very well.
I am an avid reader of all types of leadership texts, truly believing that there is always something to learn about myself and other people's approaches to leadership. The vast number now available makes me somewhat picky in my choices – and so a new book to the market must add something different. Jarrett and Newton's edited book immediately appealed with the strapline referring to ‘real-world’ perspectives. There is nothing more frustrating than being told how to lead by authors who have not experienced the challenges of different leadership experiences themselves, or taken the time to speak to those who have, and this text is full of both, offering broad appeal. The book is structured around the ‘leadership lifecycle’ of becoming, being and (perhaps surprisingly) leaving HE leadership – a context that is not often discussed. This framework lends itself well to dipping in and out – and indeed the editors encourage this approach in their introduction. The book covers a broad range of leadership contexts throughout the chapters. Authors are drawn on globally, from not only HE but also the military, sport, industry and the public sector in order to offer a wide range of perspectives. The editors influence is clear with all chapters consistently referring back to HE as a comparison, with repeated and consistent use of leadership theory to underpin experiences and reflections.
This book is aimed at anyone leading in HE, whatever level of leadership their role may require. I suspect it would be particularly helpful for colleagues needing to reflect formally on their leadership – for example for academic promotion or HE academy Senior Fellowship application. The first section is particularly useful in this respect, as it sets the scene to HE leadership very effectively, drawing on a range of theoretical frameworks that encourages critical reflection on one’s own institution and personal approach to leadership. The case studies in the final section inspire further detailed career comparison and are presented in the same lifecycle format, meaning there is relevance and richness for all readers. Whilst slightly repetitive at times, they are a helpful insight into a range of careers and HE contexts.
A particular highlight is chapter 2 which addresses a number of leadership myths and realities. There is always a tendency, whatever sector you work in, to focus on your own context and challenges and forget that others face similar issues. This book encourages the reader to leave their own silo and think more broadly about leadership, something rarely achieved in the usual round of HE leadership development opportunities. The complex situations and failures of leadership presented are effective at ensuring proper critique of HE, and in many ways encourage gratitude for many elements of institutional structures and processes.
The structure of the text is also enhanced with reflective summaries at the end of each section by the authors, leading readers onto the next stage. There are questions intended to provoke reflections of your own leadership style and journey throughout – and in certain chapters more of these would have been a valuable addition.
The cover image of this book is a paper boat on a stormy looking sea – evoking thoughts of the difficult journey many of us are currently undertaking, whatever level of HE leadership we are working at. I would thoroughly recommend this book as a helpful companion, something to dip in and out of as you progress. I suspect the next edition will include a pandemic chapter to which I am sure there will be many willing contributors.
