LEADING WITH HEART: ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS
What is it?
The paper explores the evolution of leadership theory, leadership in times of crises, generally, and leadership during the time of COVID-19. In addition, one of the authors offers a personal note on the leadership
experience during COVID-19.
The paper explores the evolution of leadership theory, leadership in times of crises, generally, and leadership during the time of COVID-19. In addition, one of the authors offers a personal note on the leadership
experience during COVID-19.
Who is it for?
Academic leadership.
Academic leadership.
What can it do?
The article points out that empathy, vulnerability, self-awareness and agility are some of the qualities needed during crisis. In addition, the psychodynamic concept of containment appears very relevant in managing the affective intensity experienced by staff and students. Leaders were expected to not only fully understand the meaning of empathy and compassion, but to know how to sincerely demonstrate
these qualities to staff and students alike. While these qualities should be expected of all leader at all times, the pandemic brought them into sharper focus.
The article points out that empathy, vulnerability, self-awareness and agility are some of the qualities needed during crisis. In addition, the psychodynamic concept of containment appears very relevant in managing the affective intensity experienced by staff and students. Leaders were expected to not only fully understand the meaning of empathy and compassion, but to know how to sincerely demonstrate
these qualities to staff and students alike. While these qualities should be expected of all leader at all times, the pandemic brought them into sharper focus.
Lawton-Misra, N. & Pretorius, T. (2021). Leading with heart: Academic leadership during the Covid-19 crisis. South African Journal of Psychology, 51(2), 205-214. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/0081246321992979