From problem-solver to coach: reflecting on a year of growth and setting your team up for success

Faculty and staff consistently report that they rely most on their direct supervisor and department head for information about priorities, change, and direction. When managers fail to communicate strategically, they create an “information vacuum.” That vacuum is quickly filled by rumor, speculation, and uncertainty, which erodes engagement and trust. The article below highlights three essential ingredients of effective communication and offers three practical everyday tips for improvement.

Not every voice in your team gets equal airtime. Valuable ideas or suggestions can remain quiet, even in your most collaborative meetings. In higher education, where innovation, experimentation, and cross-department collaboration drive success, missing these perspectives can lead to missed opportunities for improvement and disengaged employees who don’t feel heard. Explore practical, everyday strategies supervisors can use to bring hidden ideas to the surface, ensure contributions are recognized, and strengthen the connection and commitment of every team member.