By Jennifer McCrickerd, LifeBound Director of Academic Leader Development, August 14, 2025

Coaching Builds Department Chairs’ Skills

Foundation for Long-Term Success

The role of a department chair is paramount within higher education, with some asserting it to be "the toughest job in higher education." Indeed, academic departments are considered the "heart of academic institutions," playing a critical role in implementing university missions and goals, with 80% of higher education decisions often made at the departmental level. However, the appointment of department chairs frequently presents a critical gap: they are often selected for reasons other than their management or leadership skills. Further, 67% of new department chairs receive no training upon appointment, and among those who do, up to 66% feel it did not adequately prepare them for the job.

This lack of preparation contributes to a high turnover rate of 15% to 20% annually, with many chairs returning to faculty positions due to dissatisfaction and poor job fit. The good news is that a coaching-based leadership model offers a powerful solution to these critical challenges, as it provides the managerial skills needed to build a foundation for long-term success.

A coaching-based leadership model helps new chairs navigate the complex transition from faculty peer to leader by providing a framework for handling difficult conversations, helping chairs shift from "telling and doing" to "listening and asking," and clarifying their role in the organizational mission to connect their department’s vision with the institution’s strategic plan. This approach can redefine the chair's role from a "boss" to a facilitator and guide. Investing in coaching and coaching training for department chairs can yield significant advantages: it mitigates the peer-to-boss transition, broadens perspective and fosters institutional alignment, ensures financial stability, and builds a stronger leadership pipeline.

Bring Coaching to Your Campus to Drive Real-World Results

LifeBound is the only coaching training company that blends higher education coaching expertise with business leadership, helping faculty and staff build the self-management and professional skills they need.

We offer flexible and affordable coaching training for faculty, academic coaches, and staff, including:

To learn more or explore which option is right for your team, visit us at www.lifebound.com.

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Make 2025 the Year Coaching Solves Higher Ed’s Toughest Challenges

Higher education is grappling with unprecedented challenges—rising mental health crises, the need for greater career readiness, and the unfortunate reality that many students struggle to secure meaningful employment or are let go shortly after starting. These issues affect not only individual students but also university outcomes like enrollment, retention, and long-term institutional success.

By equipping your staff with coaching training, you can help students build resilience, achieve meaningful employment, and address many challenges that universities face today. Allocate your budget toward LifeBound’s training options this year and plan ahead to ensure your institution is prepared to address these critical needs effectively. Let’s create a campus-wide culture of coaching and make an impact in 2025!

LifeBound offers multiple ways to train academic coaches, faculty, or staff:

3-Day Virtual Coaching Course

A dynamic, interactive course focused on practical coaching techniques.

September 5, 12, 19 - NEXT CLASS

Additional Class Dates:

October 10, 17, 24

November 7, 14, 21

December 11, 12, 15

Time: 3 days, 6 hours each

Format: Online

Cost: $1,500 per person. Contact us about group rates.

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Self-Paced Coaching Course for Academic, Personal, and Professional Success

A flexible, 15-hour program designed for those who want to deepen their skills at their own pace. The course dives deep into foundational and advanced coaching techniques as well as motivation, resilience, career readiness, cultural competence and coaching diverse student populations, and includes private sessions with a LifeBound Coach. Institutional packages are available for group training.

Choose Your Own Dates!

Time: 15 hours (self-paced), plus 3 hours with LifeBound Coach

Format: Online

Cost: $1,500 per person. If you’ve already completed the 1-Day or 3-Day program, email contact@lifebound.com to receive a discount code for $500 off the new Self-Paced Course. Contact us about group rates.

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LifeBound Certification Program

For coaches ready to take their skills to the next level, the LifeBound Certification Program offers an in-depth dive into advanced coaching practices and strategies, culminating in certification as a LifeBound Coach.

Spring, Summer, and Fall Cohorts

Summer 2025 Cohort (in progress), Fall 2025 Cohort (Sep 30 - Jan 13)

Format: Online or in-person as available

Cost: $5,000 per person

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Let’s make 2025 a year of transformation for your institution and the students you serve!

Learn More at lifebound.com