In an era where effective leadership is critical, and in the face of a future that will demand creative leadership, many universities have latched on to that demand for leadership education. Unfortunately, a concerning trend has emerged where some institutions offering leadership degrees deliberately steer their students solely toward management careers and ideas. This myopic approach fails to capitalize on the true essence of leadership and disregards the vast opportunities for growth and impact that lie well beyond traditional managerial roles.
Just for example. I recently searched for leadership degree applications. One university I reviewed boasts that a degree in strategic leadership could result in jobs such as Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst, Management Specialist, Non-Profit Manager, Project Manager, or Supply Chain Manager. Do you see the problem here?
How is a leadership degree preparing someone for a management career? And if that is the case, why not just call it a management degree? Management is not leadership, and the truth is that if the degree was done correctly, a strategic leadership degree could result in jobs such as a business consultant, project coordinator, development and training positions, business or organizational executive, administrator, business development coordinator, project analyst, compliance officer, and so much more.
We must know the difference if we want to be the difference, but here’s a darker question. If the university doesn’t know the difference, then would their students? This is very dangerous because it sets up students for failure.
Expanding the Horizons
Leadership and management are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct concepts. Management involves organizing and coordinating resources to achieve predetermined goals, whereas leadership is about inspiring and guiding others toward a shared vision. While management is undoubtedly important, it represents only one relatively minor facet of the broader leadership spectrum.
By emphasizing management careers to their leadership students, universities are missing a valuable chance to nurture the next generation of visionary leaders while simultaneously confusing the situation further. The world needs individuals who can navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and inspire meaningful progress. True leaders transcend organizational boundaries and create positive change in various domains, from entrepreneurship and social innovation to public service and global advocacy.
A Holistic Leadership Approach
Universities should adopt a more holistic approach to bridge the gap between leadership education and career choices. It starts with reevaluating the curriculum to incorporate courses that cultivate critical leadership competencies, such as emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, creativity, ethical decision-making, and effective communication.
Moreover, universities should provide students with exposure to diverse leadership contexts. Internships, experiential learning programs, and collaborations with organizations outside academia can help students understand the realities of leadership in different industries and sectors. By encouraging students to explore various domains, universities enable them to discover their true passions and tap into their unique leadership potential.
Beyond Traditional Career Paths
While traditional management roles remain significant, universities must encourage students to think beyond these paths. They should highlight alternative career trajectories where leadership skills are invaluable, such as social entrepreneurship, non-profit leadership, public policy, environmental stewardship, strategic innovation, etc.
As the demand for effective leadership continues to rise, universities must evolve their approach to leadership education. Specifically, universities need to understand the difference and teach the difference. By shifting the focus away from narrow management paths to a broader understanding of leadership, institutions can empower their students to become transformative agents of change across multiple domains. By embracing a holistic and specific leadership approach, universities will serve their students’ aspirations and contribute to building a better future for society at large.
It’s time to ensure that the leadership boat isn’t missed and the potential of our future leaders is fully realized. We have to do better!
Author(s): Dr. David M Robertson
Board Insights | Open Source | ORCID iD
Published Online: 2023 May – All Rights Reserved.
APA Citation: Robertson, D. (2023, May 21). Some Universities Miss the Leadership Boat. The Journal of Leaderology and Applied Leadership. https://jala.nlainfo.org/some-universities-miss-the-leadership-boat/