Some leadership scholars argue that, in the new
highly competitive and rapidly changing global economy,
institutions must be nimble, innovative, entrepreneurial,
and flexible (Bornstein, 2007; Lipman-Blumen, 1992).
It is believed that these characteristics are especially
important for higher education institutions today as
they confront a rapidly changing environment. This
suggests that the leadership traits evidenced by the more
communal or collaborative leadership styles described
in the reflection narratives may be serving them well
in a new era. In a study of female higher education
administrators, Steward (2009) found that the women
leaders she interviewed effectively used collaboration and communication to build relationships, establish
trust, and inspire a shared vision. Summarizing the
successes over her career, one of the authors indicated
she “acted as a change agent. I believe my hallmark as
a dean . . . has been my ability to invigorate change in a
dynamic learning environment.” Clearly, her collaborative
leadership style enabled her to create a shared vision and
acceptance of change.