The Interim: A Guide to Transition Leadership in Higher Education

by Daniel J. Bernardo

Overview

Daniel J. Bernardo faced a tumultuous first month as Washington State University's interim president. The institution had just received approval to start a medical school, FBI staff advised him of a campus phishing crisis, regional forest fires compromised air quality, and a FOX News report about three "Comparative Ethnic Studies" syllabi initiated a firestorm of complaints.

Transitions are inevitable in every organization. Deans, vice presidents, provosts, and other executives are often thrust into positions for which they have little preparation, at the most inopportune times. Bernardo interviewed more than forty former and current acting administrators, and wrote The Interim for those in or considering a temporary leadership role. Using real-life examples, he provides a step-by-step guide for navigating transition stages and deriving the greatest benefit from the experience. He also addresses key administrative functions, building functional support networks, self care, and more.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780874224139
Publisher:	Washington State University Press
Publication date:	06/16/2022
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Daniel J. Bernardo is currently a professor and provost emeritus for Washington State University. He has held academic administrative positions at WSU since 2005, initially as the dean for the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, and then as provost. He served as interim president from 2015 to 2016, and continued as a senior advisor to the president from 2018 to 2020. He received his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations ix

List of Tables x

Introduction xi

Why Is Interim Leadership Important? xii

Key Differences between Interim and Permanent Leadership xvi

Focus and Organization of This Book xvii

Chapter 1 "To Interim or Not to Interim," That Is the Question 1

Is This the Right Opportunity for You? 1

Framing the Position for Personal and Organizational Success 9

Interim Leadership Scenarios 11

What Qualities Make a Good Interim Leader? 17

Where Do We Find People to Fill These Roles? 18

Chapter 2 Executing the Transition 21

Steps for Making a Smooth and Thoughtful Transition 22

Leveraging the Front End 26

Making the Announcement 34

Chapter 3 Developing Your Thirty-Day Plan 35

Preparing the Thirty-Day Plan 35

Assessing the Current Status of the Organization 38

Defining Your Leadership Approach 44

Look for Early Wins 47

Checking Back with the Thirty-Day Plan 49

Chapter 4 Structuring Your Work 51

Setting Priorities 51

Getting Control of Your Schedule 52

Staying on Task 59

Chapter 5 Working with Your New Team 63

Initial Engagement with the Team 64

Taking Stock of Your Team 67

Additional Strategies for Engaging the Team 78

Hiring Personnel as an Interim Leader 85

Chapter 6 Decision-making and Change Management 87

Lead with a Bias Toward Action 87

Framing Situations Correctly 88

Managing Change 89

Getting Structure Right 98

Chapter 7 Managing the Budget 103

The Importance of Taking on the Budget 103

Getting a Handle on Fiscal Affairs 104

Managing Budgets 110

Dealing with Difficult Fiscal Situations 113

Budget Pitfalls 117

Chapter 8 Managing External Relations 121

Coordinating the Transition with External Stakeholders 121

Working with Donors 123

Working with Other External Stakeholders 129

Chapter 9 Managing Your Work Life and Yourself 133

Taking Care of Yourself 133

Developing a Supportive Network 139

Working with Your Boss 140

Turning the Interim Role into a Permanent Position 144

Chapter 10 The Handoff 147

Preparing for the New Executive Leader 148

Deliverables to Your Successor 149

Transitioning Back to Your Former Role 152

Final Thoughts 155

Quick Help Guide 159

References 165

Index 169

About the Author 171