By Jennifer McCrickerd, LifeBound Director of Academic Leader Development, August 28, 2025

At the end of my first sabbatical, I became chair of my department. As the youngest member by far, I suddenly faced the daunting task of writing performance evaluations for senior colleagues—the very people who had hired me. What should have been a constructive conversation about improving teaching and general performance instead felt like navigating a minefield. How could I provide the honest assessment the administration expected without damaging long-standing relationships?

Research shows faculty satisfaction depends heavily on the leadership qualities of department chairs. One study found satisfaction rises when chairs are open to feedback, show genuine respect, and care deeply about faculty well-being. Fairness and transparency in decision-making also matter greatly—especially among senior faculty, who often report lower satisfaction when leadership falls short in these areas. 

Most chairs, however, receive little or no leadership training before stepping into their roles. Given my own lack of experience with difficult conversations, it was no surprise that, without guidance, I—and my department—relied on my well-meaning but uninformed approach: trying to be both forthcoming and non-critical, which ultimately left my assessments innocuous and unhelpful. This approach risked eroding trust and weakening the very culture we needed to thrive.

Relying on luck to develop these critical leadership skills is simply too risky—yet it remains the default strategy at many institutions. 

Challenge of Chairing

The chair’s role is a unique balance: wielding formal authority while remaining a peer with colleagues you have worked alongside—and will continue to work with—long after your term ends. Conversations that touch on performance, conflict, or departmental vision are often difficult precisely because of these enduring relationships.

Faculty surveys confirm that unclear communication and inconsistent leadership styles frustrate many. The most effective chairs combine clear accountability with empathy, setting respectful groundwork for difficult conversations that build trust and foster departmental success. 

Why Coaching Matters

Coaching equips chairs with practical tools to navigate tough conversations with confidence and care. These skills foster trust, encourage honest dialogue, and build cohesive departments. Both research and practice show that chairs who develop coaching competencies positively transform their departments—supporting faculty success and improving satisfaction. 

Call to Action

Bring coaching to your campus—strengthen the leaders who shape academic life.

LifeBound uniquely blends higher education expertise with business leadership experience. We empower faculty and staff to build the skills to lead with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Flexible training options include:

• 3-Day Virtual Coaching Course
• Self-Paced Coaching Course
• LifeBound Coaching Certification Program

Explore which option fits your team’s needs at www.lifebound.com.

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