THE CHALLENGES FACED BY A CONTEMPORARY EDUCATIONAL LEADER: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

The success of every organization especially institutions of higher learning depends on effective leadership. An educational leader constantly encounters the daily challenges of managing staff and resources, meeting the demands of the stakeholders and complying with existing administrative rules and regulations. Despite these pressures however, there are opportunities for change if the educational leader is willing to collaborate with the staff members as equal partners in the organization. This collaboration is important during turbulent economic times when the educational leader’s most important role is as an advocate of change. The purpose of this paper is to outline how the educational leader can successfully lead his organization through collaborative efforts rather than coercion of the subordinates.

The discussion will include:
(a) meeting the demands of society in the era of globalization,
(b) the application of ICT and telecommunication,
(c) implementing succession planning for future leaders,
(d) participation of stakeholders in management,
(e) applying best practices in management of organizational challenges.

In conclusion, the effective educational leader is a visionary who utilizes the strength of teamwork, ensures adequate resources to support progress, and provides opportunities for growth in the organization.