Forget AI, Try BI

By Posted on Bulletin, From the CEO

In early February 2020, as I was preparing for an upcoming Bulletin column, I reached out to a number of tenured colleagues asking them to share their lessons learned. What wisdom or college union life lessons did they have to share with new or developing colleagues? Would there be themes that emerged, some collective wisdom from the lived experience of college union experts? I received some great responses, and then it was March 2020, and COVID, and priorities changed, and the received wisdom sat in my inbox. 

In preparing for this Steal this Idea issue, I reflected on the emails I received, the wisdom shared. Although delayed, the ideas are really valuable and worth stealing. Most come from my own Boomer generation, so for the moment let’s put AI to the side to learn via BI, Boomer Intelligence. Consider the following perspectives of those who’ve already navigated the path. 

Students Drive Our Work

  • We work with “student professionals,” not work-study students nor student employees.
  • Remember that students are sponges; they are soaking up your personal behavior: the tone of your communications, the words you use, the actions you take. You are constantly in role modeling mode.
  • It all revolves around where we as professionals find fulfillment, joy, and worth in our work. It’s about the students and their development.
  • The most successful college union professionals are the ones that are the most selfless. At our core, we should just want to be the best teachers we can be.
  • Remember that we serve all the students on campus, not just those that readily engage with the union and activities program.
  • Students are the best source of input that will impact their daily lives in and around the union building.
  • Try to stay involved with the students as you move up through the ranks. It will help you remember why you are in this profession.
  • Students want to be heard and listened to, and they want direction and advice.  They want you to support their programs and are proud and passionate about the work they do.  
  • Students should always be the first priority.
  • Actions should focus on benefit to students.

Management

  • As a union professional, you engage the entire university, you see the big picture.
  • You have to understand the money; if you don’t take care of the money, you can’t serve anyone.
  • Politics are a part of higher education, and being politically smart can help your union be more successful.
  • Manage from a position of respect rather than as an authority figure.
  • Emphasize the pronoun WE; de-emphasize the pronoun I.
  • Listen, listen, listen … and don’t talk as much.
  • You’re only as good as the last thing you didn’t do; attention to detail is important.
  • Accept a situation for what it is, don’t add variables that will complicate a simple issue.
  • Most of the challenges that we face are not life or death, and sleeping on it will give you new perspective.
  • Never be afraid to admit you were wrong.
  • Be patient. Every day has a multitude of questions, issues, and crises. Some will actually solve themselves in a most natural manner if allowed. Others need some sort of CPR immediately. Learn to triage. 
  • “People support what they help to create” is a mantra that has thrived through generations.
  • If a supervisor asks you to chair a committee and/or lead a program, do it!  Someone has seen something in you, so take advantage of
    the opportunity to learn and grow and give it your all!
  • Hire people different than you; hire people that have different types of skills and are better than you!  It will make you a better leader and you will have a stronger team.
  • Prepare yourself for change, for it will be
    the constant.
  • If you have a problem with your boss, YOU have a problem.

Relationships

  • Short-term, long-term, in-between—whatever type of relationship you have, they make your work happen.
  • Find your campus partners-in-crime. Build relationships with colleagues beyond your division/union/school/college.
  • In every interaction always seek to establish a relationship. At some point you may need that person to assist you in solving a problem.
  • Find time to build relationships across
    the organization. 
  • Build campus allies. When times are tough, financially or otherwise, the more people on campus who know and understand the role of the college union can be invaluable. The higher up the administrative ladder you can engage,
    the better. 
  • Build relationships across the campus at every opportunity.

Other

  • Remember who signs your paycheck; you are part of that organization so represent it well and build it up.
  • If your gut tells you it is wrong, it probably is.
  • Be kind and smile.
  • Your friends, family, folks you meet will never really know what you do for a living but will think it is cool.
  • You will deal with folks that are very impressed with their advanced degrees. Always remember everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time.
  • Start with Yes.
  • Not to spoil the ending, but everything is going to be ok.
  • Take the LONG view; not just the present.
  • You choose your attitude. It can be a good day or a bad day depending on how you look at things. Choose to enjoy yourself.
  • Leading a team will be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences you
     can have.
  • Never burn bridges.
  • Maintain balance and a sense of humor.
  • Success = Adaptability.
  • Love your Job! If you aren’t loving it, find ways to either get a new job or develop new programs or projects that give you joy.  

Thanks for all of this advice from these wise colleagues: Dan Adams, Dave Barnes, Lisa Bartlett, Paul Brietman, Pat Brown, Mary Connelly, Mary Edgington, Michael Ellington, Charlie Francis, Suzi Halpin, Joe Hayes, Lincoln Johnson, Tim Moore, Chuck Morrell, Gail Olyha, Meg O’Sullivan, Bob Rodda, Rob Rouzer, Paul Zuchowski.

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