We never stop learning, and we're never too set in our ways to stop accepting legitimate criticism. Today I received some feedback on how I'm doing as dean. I try to take this feedback completely constructively; much of it is affirming, but not all.
One piece of this feedback that really struck me is a sense that some folks have that I'm making decisions without sufficient input from them. That is not who I want to be and that is not the way I want to lead.
I learned on Monday that our college, and all of the units at the university, will soon have to make choices about where we would cut 3%, 4.5%, or 6% from our 2009-2010 budget. In attempting to incorporate the ideas, priorities, and suggestions of faculty and staff in this decision process, I will be scheduling a series of meetings where they can see the current budget, learn about trends and needs, and then provide input on how we should allocate these cuts. We don't have much time--our final response will be due on May 6th.
I know our faculty and staff are very creative and will bring some great suggestions to the table. I can't say I'm looking forward to it, since I never want to have to "cut" anything, but I do welcome the opportunity to engage my colleagues in these discussions.