In a search for a seminary president? It’s a turbulent time for theological seminaries and many of them are in the search process for new leadership. A new study says look past the resume:
Personal qualities — rather than experience or training — were the best predictors of success, according to “Leadership That Works,” a four-year study by a team of researchers led by Barbara Wheeler, former president of Auburn Theological Seminary and director of the school’s Center for the Study of Theological Education.
Researchers surveyed seminary presidents, academic deans and financial officers, and built on previous surveys of seminary leadership by the Auburn Center. They visited six well-run schools and followed for three years the newly appointed presidents of 10 more. The study covered a broad range of institutional types — Roman Catholic, mainline and evangelical Protestant, denominational and independent, large and small, financially secure and financially stressed.
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“Presidents need to decide what the job requires and do that, rather than the parts of the job they’re good at or feel good doing,” Wheeler said. “Discipline, self-management and a clear picture of what the job requires — that is the key ingredient of success.”
Success by a president was defined as: stability of the institution, good relationships with those on whom it depended financially, and alignment with its goals and adaptability.
Presidents who were successful had these characteristics: “powerful intelligence, confidence, persuasiveness and persistence,” interpersonal skills, humility and discipline.
There’s more at Faith&Leadership.
Is your alma mater looking past the resume?