How to be a Maverick Leader in Education

In this episode Judith Germain speaks to Jane Harrington, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of University of Greenwich about Maverick Leadership and how to be a Maverick Leader in Education.

Jane shares their background in academia, rising from researcher to senior leadership over 20 years. Judith asks about their non-linear career path, to which Jane attributes staying true to themself and gaining diverse experiences through openness to opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• Being a Maverick Leader involves blending different leadership styles and values whilst remaining adaptive. It's about who you are and what you do.
• Leaders should aim to create an environment of psychological safety and empowerment.
• Diversity brings a wealth of perspectives and solutions. As a leader, being outside your comfort zone is healthy.
• Coaching takes at least 12-18 months to create lasting behavioral change. Leaders should coach and sponsor their teams.
• Reflecting on negative experiences can provide great learning. The 'why' can motivate you.

In this conversation they discuss how to overcome challenges and build confidence. They discuss how experience, not age or role, builds resilience and confidence through failures. Mentorship and sponsorship are key to helping others overcome lack of examples.

Professor Jane Harrington joined the University of Greenwich as Vice Chancellor & CEO in December 2019. She has worked in Higher Education for over 30 years and her specific interests include teaching excellence, widening access into higher education, inclusion and social mobility.

Jane is passionate about making an impact through working in close partnerships across schools and colleges, business, community and the university sectors.

Before joining Greenwich, Jane was Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE) and previously worked in senior roles within the university's Faculty of Business and Law.

You can find out more about our guest and today's episode in this Maverick Paradox Magazine article here.

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Maverick leadership is all about thinking outside the box and challenging the status quo. It's about having the courage to take risks and the confidence to lead in a way that is authentic and genuine.

But amplifying your influence as a leader isn't just about having a strong vision or a big personality. It's also about having the right leadership capability and being able to execute on your ideas and plans.

The consequences of not having the right level of influence as a leader can be significant. Without the ability to inspire and motivate others, you may struggle to achieve your goals and make a real impact.

How Influential Are you? Take the scorecard at amplifyyourinfluence.scoreapp.com and see. 

Catalysing Transformation - 1 min video

Judith's book: The Maverick Paradox: The Secret Power Behind Successful Leaders. 

Judith's websites: 

• The Maverick Paradox Magazine - themaverickparadox.com
• The Maverick Paradox Website - maverickparadox.co.uk

Judith's LinkedIn profile is here, her Twitter profile (MaverickMastery) is here, Facebook here and Instagram here.