foolmenot.comSaundra Tracy is president of Alma College. Below she has essentially written a social blueprint [from] the past and [for] the future. She tells us that where we are now is not a good place, and gives examples of the proof around us…
Colleges and universities are churning out more graduates than ever before, but the skills they are leaving with seem to be self-focused to a fault; the basic framework of “leadership”, character and integrity, are sorely missing.
Tracy has captured the essence of what is wrong by her “what's-in-it-for-me” description of a mentality that may well be the result of an educational system somehow changing focus.
Most eloquently thought out, she gave an example of a well-meaning statement that was not, well-thought out… Doubling the amount of college graduates does not say anything about what graduating students have learned. As tracy points out, a vision of where you want to go without a map showing you how to get there just might take you in the wrong direction. Granted you can become rich and famous by capitalizing on a skill well learned; but if your personal success is to the detriment of those around you, where is the benefit to society?
Tracy concludes that educational institutions (I include secondary, as well as, colleges and universities), concentrate on three distinct “outcomes” or expectations. They are;
1. A commitment to an ethical purpose that transcends self.
2. The ability to lead.
3. The ability to make decisions that are in the long-term interests of an organization and its people.
Finally, Tracy asks the question; “Is preparing responsible leaders a lofty goal”? I would respond by saying that there was once an atmosphere of leadership taught in our educational system. It has increasingly become less evident; replaced with a political “herding” mindset! So, my response to Saundra Tracy’s question is to suggest the question be framed differently, how it should be asked is; “Is it possible to get back to a point in time when character and integrity were part of mainstream education in American?”
My answer to that question is, yes we can! Yes we will!
Full article follows…
Colleges must foster leadership
Detroit Free Press
February 20, 2006
BY SAUNDRA TRACY
Two years ago, Gov. Jennifer Granholm issued a call to double the number of college graduates in Michigan in the next 10 years as a centerpiece of her platform to improve Michigan's economic status. Clearly, college graduates are essential to that goal. But there are two even larger questions to be raised: What are the essential skills needed to position Michigan in a global and rapidly changing environment? And, are our college and universities preparing graduates who are up to the challenge?
Read the headlines on any given day and the answer to the latter question is mixed. On the one hand, we read of great technological breakthroughs and business successes. At the same time we are stunned by the glaring failures of leaders who substitute their own personal gain for the long-term health of organizations. These failures threaten not only the economy of our state but also the future of our nation and world.
The good news is that colleges and universities have increased their focus on job preparedness, requiring more depth in the field of study for teachers, medical specialties, and many other professions. In addition, colleges from the liberal arts tradition have honed the preparedness of their graduates in those skills most sought after by employers according to the Department of Labor -- communication, problem solving, analytical reasoning and interpersonal relations.
The bad news is few colleges and universities are addressing the rampant short-term decision making, what's-in-it-for-me leadership that threatens the health and well being of Michigan
companies and communities -- and our future in the wider economy.
Thomas Friedman in his book "The World is Flat" contends that higher education does a pretty good job of preparing specialists with technical skills and generalists with broad skills. What is missing is an education that develops versatility, character and the discipline to focus on long-term versus short-term gain.
In other words, we must prepare more responsible leaders -- leaders who are both responsive to the changing world around them and responsible for their own actions and organizations and people entrusted to them.
Some private colleges around the country have risen to this challenge. Sweet Briar College, a women's college in Virginia, helps each new student explore her leadership potential through its innovative LEAP Program, and Austin College in Texas offers scholarships to selected entering students who pursue intensive leadership development experiences in its Posey Leadership Center.
At Alma College, we have identified three outcomes for all of our graduates, regardless of field of study, that will set them apart in their communities and workplaces:
A commitment to an ethical purpose that transcends self.
The ability to lead.
The ability to make decisions that are in the long-term interests of an organization and its people.
These outcomes will be achieved through a wide range of programs under the auspices of our new Center for Responsible Leadership.
Is preparing responsible leaders a lofty goal? Absolutely, but it is an essential one if our graduates in every field of study are to change the course of this state and nation.
American colleges and universities were founded to address the needs of a fledgling nation. The imperative to meet Michigan's needs may be even more so today -- an imperative to develop responsible leaders who bring a new sense of moral purpose, long-term vision and facility with change that is sorely missing.
It will take nothing less to transform this state.
SAUNDRA TRACY is president of Alma College. Contact her at tracy@alma.edu.