Podcast | Best Christian Workplaces

401: Hope and Strategic Vision: The Future of Christian Higher Education

Written by Best Christian Workplaces | August, 05 2024

In this episode, Dr. Michael Lindsay, President of Taylor University, shares his insights on fostering a culture of trust to propel leadership success. We'll explore practical strategies for building trust, navigating leadership transitions, and the importance of continuous learning.

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In this episode:

Background and Leadership Lessons at Gordon College:

  • Multi-Year Strategy: Overestimating annual goals vs. long-term achievements. (03:00)
  • Hiring the Right People: Importance of waiting for the right fit rather than filling positions hastily. (03:10)
  • Leadership Presence: The value of leaders being present during challenges. (03:36)
  • Learning Agility: Developing a growth mindset to learn from all experiences. (04:01)
  • Self-Acceptance: Leaders recognizing their own weaknesses and building teams that complement their strengths. (04:17)

Employee Engagement and Culture at Taylor University:

  • Trust and Candor: Transparent sharing of engagement survey results, even when disappointing. (06:29)
  • All-Campus Meetings: Using worship services for lament, thanksgiving, and recommitment. (07:23)
  • Discovery Groups: Small groups discussing survey results to foster trust and identify improvement areas. (09:03)
  • Ongoing Commitment: Regular devotional guides and assigning champions to oversee engagement. (10:15)

Improving Communication:

  • Cascading Communications: Structured sharing of key topics from leadership meetings down to all levels. (12:44)
  • Frequent Updates: Regular newsletters, videos, and updates from various leaders to increase information flow. (13:39)
  • Overcommunication: Ensuring messages are repeated and clearly communicated to avoid misunderstandings. (14:32)

Maintaining Positive Momentum:

  • Monthly Gatherings: Regular staff forums for development, information sharing, and questions. (16:26)
  • Personal Engagement: Weekly Bible studies and informal interactions with staff. (16:54)
  • Celebration Culture: Organizing events and providing tangible appreciation like bonuses and extra holidays. (17:29)
  • Spiritual Leadership: Incorporating spiritual disciplines and intentional spiritual vitality within the leadership team. (18:54)

Strategic Vision and Plan Development:

  • Creation of a strategic vision and plan for the university with extensive community input. (22:55)
  • Formation of the 175th Commission, incorporating external leaders and internal stakeholders. (23:08)
  • Comprehensive surveys and regional gatherings to gather feedback. (23:33)
  • Iterative planning process resulting in the "Taylor Thrives" vision, with six pillars and 125 goals. (25:17)

Engagement and Fundraising:

  • Developing ownership among stakeholders through engagement in the planning process. (26:37)
  • Leveraging the strategic plan for fundraising, successfully raising tens of millions of dollars. (26:54)

Talent Attraction and Retention:

  • Challenges of recruiting in a rural location with lower pay scales. (28:32)
  • Efforts to communicate the benefits of working at Taylor through updated job descriptions and targeted communications. (29:06)

Hinge Moments and Leadership Transitions:

  • Importance of significant moments ("hinge moments") in shaping life and career. (30:55)
  • Preparation and response to transitions are crucial for long-term success. (32:12)
  • Michael's personal experience with a career transition and the insights gained. (33:24)

Characteristics of the New Generation:

  • New generation of leaders is entrepreneurial, globally concerned, and innovative. (35:39)
  • They seek to make a positive difference and are motivated by serving others. (37:11)
  • Importance of providing biblical foundations and Christian community for spiritual growth. (37:28)

Hope for the Future:

  • Optimism about the future due to the promise and potential of current students. (40:09)
  • Recognition of challenges but confidence in the positive impact of Christian higher education. (40:31)
  • Gratitude for the role of the Best Christian Workplace Institute in enhancing engagement and spiritual formation in the workplace. (40:36)

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