This month marks the end of my 5th year as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Dillard University. As I reflect back on my early days in this position, I recall feelings of optimism and hope for the opportunities that lay ahead. I also recall feelings of anxiety and even fear. This manifested in the thoughts "what if I don't have what it takes" and "what if I completely fail?" As I began the job, I immediately realized that all those feelings were valid. There were so many opportunities to do great things for the university. There were also many things that I did not know and I have failed more than once. Over these five years, I learned many lessons about being a vice president and leadership. I will share five of those here with the hope that new or aspiring VPs can gain some insight from an "old pro."
- Know the weeds, but don’t operate in them – As a VP, you better have your fingers on the pulse of everything in your operation. That does not mean that you have to do everything because you can’t. Once you spend too much time focusing on one thing, something else will slip through the cracks and that will be the thing that gets you in trouble. Delegation is important. Hire good people who will get the work done and will make sure you know what’s going on.
- Be human – Some people will be intimidated by you and/or your position. Be humble enough to understand your role, but connect with people throughout your institution.
- Make decisions carefully – The future of the institution lie in your (and your colleagues’) hands. Your judgement in decision-making will have long-term consequences. Spend time assessing short and long-term outcomes of your decisions. Don’t waste time by being indecisive, but calculate and execute.
- You will make mistakes – When you become a VP, you are not exempted from making mistakes. Own them, learn, and make the necessary adjustments.
- Choose your words and actions carefully – People will pay close attention to what you say and do. Often, people will emulate you. Set good examples of leadership. You are mentoring people who you don’t even realize are paying attention.
Marc A. Barnes is Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Dillard University in New Orleans. He is a fundraising and nonprofit management expert.
marcanthonybarnes.com