1. So, you want to be a leader
Washington Financial Aid Association (WFAA) Annual Conference
October 12, 2016 – Spokane, Washington
So, you want to be a leader
Dan Mann – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
NASFAA National Chair

2. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
- John Quincy Adams

3. Managers vs. Leaders Managers Leaders Administer How & when
Short range view
Systems & structure
Bottom line focus
Innovate
What & why
Long-range (global) perspective
People
Focus on the horizon

4. Management Issues Governance Delegation Developing Expectations
Self
Staff
Conflict Management
Evaluation
Administrative Team
Others

5. Management Issues (continued)
Setting effective, adequate and reachable Goals and Objectives
Developing a Long-Range Plan for the office in alignment with the institution’s strategic plan
Becoming an effective role model, mentor, and motivator

6. Management Issues (continued)
Developing and maintaining an effective organizational structure
Roles
Responsibilities
Understanding the Historical Perspective
Institution
Office

7. Develop Leadership Traits
Character
Act with integrity and honesty
Passion/Enthusiasm
Developing vision and strategy
Fairness
Compassion and empathy
Confidence
Tolerance amid Ambiguity

8. Develop Leadership Traits
Commitment to excellence
Order
Have a sense of purpose
Commitment to diversity
Pick your battles - “standing your ground” and “knowing when to stand aside”
Communicate what you want
Keep communications open

9. Develop Leadership Traits
Act decisively – be an intentional leader
Be adaptable and creative
Don’t be afraid to fail
Trust, recognize and respect people
Adapt a continuous improvement philosophy
Live for the future, not from the past

10. A leader takes people where they want to go
A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.
- Rosalynn Carter

11. Practical Tools Budget Construction FISAP
Program Participation Agreement
Audits
Calendars
Policies and Procedures
Office Budget

12. Campus Involvement Perception of “Worth”
Positioning self in decision making
Developing expertise
Seeking involvement in other areas of campus activities
Annual reporting
Skills
Speaking
Writing

13. Dealing with Upper Management
Expectations
Of Boss
Of Administration
Of Outside Entities (Board of Regents)
Understanding “data” and accurately reporting and communicating it
“Dumbing Down” financial aid without being too elementary
Campus Politics

14. Learn How to Work With Others
Media Relations
Local media outlets
Governmental Relations
Elected officials
Faculty/Staff
Student groups
Community

15. The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.
- Ken Blanchard

16. Dealing with the Unexpected
Death of a staff member
Extended leave of a key staff member
Firing a valued staff member
Program Review results
Emergency situations
Safety concerns

17. Becoming a Regulatory Expert
Understand statutes vs regulations
Use available resources
Ask the right questions
Use judgment
Apply consistently
Update policies
Adjust systems

18. Taking Care of Yourself
Add humor to an otherwise difficult job
Have fun
Take a deep breath
Relieve stress
Learn how to kick back/relax
Use your vacation time
Get help when you need it
Reflect and re-energize

19. Tips for Success Understand mission, strategy and vision
Build an effective team – select the right individuals and understand what happens when you don’t have the right people
Train and support others to be successful
Understand “why we do what we do”
Get involved in professional associations and support your staff’s involvement too

20. Tips for Success Clarify, explain and monitor expectations
Solicit ideas – develop “ownership”
Address occurrences when expectations are not met
Run effective meetings – not just for the sake of meeting
Delegate
Keep the BIG picture in mind

21. Tips for Success
Ensure all needed tools and resources are available for your staff
Keep key individuals “in the loop”
Seek input – acknowledge success
Provide feedback and mentor new staff
Train future leaders and administrators
Communicate

22. Tips for Success Respond to complaints
Build networks and your support network
Information really is power
Listen
Engage staff and others
Plan ahead – look towards the future
Accept responsibility – the buck stops here!

23. Tips for Success Have lofty but achievable goals Embrace change
Be flexible in all things
Seek and take advice
See the forest as well as the trees
Good networking is intentional – make time to build and nurture relationships
Celebrate your successes and have fun along the way

24. Finally Leadership Is about making choices
And the right choices when it counts
And dealing effectively with the bad choices along the way

25. Questions and Discussion

26. 2015-16 NASFAA National Chair
Dan Mann
NASFAA National Chair
Director, Office of Student Financial Aid
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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