True Leaders Never Search for Followers

How to Cultivate Leadership Through Community Service

Oct 12, 2024

The clock strikes ten as I gather my papers, the soft glow of my laptop illuminating the kitchen table.

As a professor, these occasional late nights are often unavoidable—a testament to the dedication our field demands and the vision that drives us forward.

Last week, we explored the sacred rhythm of early mornings and the delicate balance of family and academic life, reflecting on how our daily routines—from waking our children to navigating campus corridors—shape our sense of purpose.

But leadership sometimes emerges in unexpected, quiet moments.

This week, burning the midnight oil, I’m reminded of a moment that shifted my perspective on leadership: a simple question about our law school’s plans for Martin Luther King Jr. Day led me on an unexpected journey. What began as curiosity quickly evolved into an opportunity to serve—and to lead in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

This brings to mind Dr. Myles Munroe’s words:

“A true leader does not search for followers.”

Leadership isn’t about authority or recognition. It’s about being present, offering guidance, and empowering others to realize their potential.

As we delve into this week’s newsletter, we’ll explore how leadership and influence permeate every aspect of academic life. We’ll discuss:

Leading through service and influence
The power of example: Redefining academic leadership
Contributing meaningfully: Beyond the classroom
Avoiding administrative burden: The art of strategic service
A case study illustrating these principles in action

Whether you’re a graduate student, an early-career researcher, or a seasoned professor, there’s always an opportunity to lead through service and influence.

As you read on, I encourage you to reflect on your own experiences:

When have you had the chance to lead by example?
How can you use your influence, however small, to positively impact your academic community?
What unexpected moments of leadership might be waiting for you in the late nights or early mornings of your academic journey?

Let’s explore together how we can all become the leaders academia needs—not through authority or titles, but through service, mentorship, and nurturing others’ potential.

1. Leading Without Authority: The Academic’s Path

In our roles as professors, researchers, and mentors, we have the unique opportunity to lead without relying on traditional hierarchical structures.

Here’s how you can embrace this approach:

Embody Your Values
Consistently demonstrate the qualities you wish to see in your colleagues and students. Whether it’s rigorous research practices, ethical conduct, or work-life balance, your actions speak louder than any directive ever could.
Share Your Knowledge Generously
Instead of hoarding information or expertise, become known as a resource for others. Offer to give guest lectures, run workshops, or simply be available for informal chats with colleagues and students.
Collaborate Across Boundaries
Initiate interdisciplinary projects or study groups. By bringing diverse perspectives together, you’re not only advancing knowledge but also positioning yourself as a connector and facilitator.
Mentor Beyond Your Obligations
While formal mentoring roles are valuable, look for opportunities to guide and support others informally. A quick piece of advice or a word of encouragement can have a lasting impact.
Champion Others’ Success
Celebrate the achievements of your colleagues and students publicly. By lifting others up, you create a culture of mutual support and recognition.

2. Contributing Meaningfully: Beyond the Classroom

Your influence as an academic leader extends far beyond your research and teaching responsibilities. Here are a few key ways to make meaningful contributions to your department and university:

Innovate in Pedagogy

Develop courses that fill gaps in the curriculum or address emerging fields. This not only enriches programs but prepares students for the evolving demands of their professions.
Experiment with new teaching methods and share your successes with colleagues to foster collaboration.
Consider creating open educational resources that extend beyond your institution, making education more accessible and impactful for a wider audience.

Foster a Culture of Research Excellence

Organize research symposia or informal “brown bag” sessions to encourage colleagues to share their ongoing work. These events stimulate intellectual exchange and foster a supportive research community.
You might also launch a working paper series to showcase new ideas across departments.
Mentoring junior faculty and graduate students in grant writing and publication strategies is another way to strengthen both individual careers and the overall research capacity of your department.

Enhance Community Engagement

Form partnerships with local organizations to create service-learning opportunities that enrich students’ experiences and build stronger ties with the community.
Organize public lectures or workshops that showcase your department’s expertise and engage a broader audience.
Consider contributing to outreach programs that connect with K-12 schools or adult learners, inspiring the next generation and fostering lifelong learning.

Improve Departmental Operations

Volunteer for committee work that aligns with your strengths and passions, enabling you to make a greater impact.
Lead initiatives to streamline administrative processes, improving efficiency for everyone.
Advocate for policies that promote work-life balance and inclusivity, creating a more supportive environment for all faculty and students.

Contribute to the Broader Academic Community

Get involved in editorial roles with academic journals to influence the discourse in your field.
Active participation in professional associations can expand your network and open doors to collaborations.
Chairing sessions at major conferences within your discipline will not only showcase your expertise but also foster valuable connections and knowledge-sharing among peers.

By stepping beyond traditional roles, you can shape your institution and discipline in powerful ways.

We will go even deeper into these topics in future posts. Be sure to subscribe so you get it when it comes out.

3. Avoiding Administrative Burden: The Art of Strategic Service

Service is a vital part of academic life, but it’s important to approach it strategically to avoid being overwhelmed by administrative tasks.

Here’s how to lead through service while maintaining balance:

Be Selective

Choose service opportunities that align with your expertise and career goals. Focus on those where your contributions will be meaningful and relevant.
Learn to say “no” to tasks that don’t align with your long-term objectives, allowing you to preserve your focus and energy.
Prioritize high-impact activities that make a real difference rather than low-value, time-consuming tasks.

Leverage Your Strengths

Take on roles that match your abilities and interests. This makes your contributions more impactful and enjoyable.
Instead of just maintaining the status quo, look for opportunities to innovate or improve processes, leading to more meaningful outcomes.
By playing to your strengths, you can make significant contributions efficiently, without getting overwhelmed by administrative duties.

Delegate and Collaborate

When leading projects or committees, delegate tasks to team members to share the workload. This empowers others and lightens your own load.
Involve students or junior colleagues by mentoring them and integrating them into service activities, providing them with valuable experience while reducing your responsibilities.
Building partnerships across departments can also distribute the work and create a stronger sense of shared purpose.

Set Clear Boundaries

Establish limits on your availability for service commitments to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Use time-blocking to dedicate specific hours to service activities, ensuring your time is used wisely.
Regularly assess your commitments and be willing to step down from roles that no longer serve your goals or the institution effectively.
This helps you stay focused on your priorities and prevents service obligations from dominating your schedule.

Advocate for Recognition

Ensure that meaningful service is valued in tenure and promotion decisions.
Document and showcase the outcomes of your contributions, emphasizing their impact on the department and university.
Propose ways to streamline or eliminate unnecessary administrative tasks, creating a more efficient system for everyone. This elevates the importance of service and fosters a culture where faculty feel appreciated for their efforts.

By approaching service strategically, you can lead effectively without becoming overwhelmed by administrative burdens.

Case Study: Becoming the Planning Chair of the MLK Day Celebration

To illustrate these principles in action, let me share a personal example of my own journey growing as a leader.

When I joined the University of South Carolina as a new faculty member, I quickly noticed something that troubled me. Despite the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and our law school’s focus on community engagement, there was no event planned to honor the occasion.

After asking around, I learned that the annual MLK Day event had fallen dormant since the pandemic, and no one had yet taken the initiative to revive it.

Rather than waiting for someone else to step up, I decided to take the lead.

I volunteered to bring the event back, even though I was still finding my footing in a new environment. Little did I know what this decision would lead to.

The first thing I did was assemble a planning committee of faculty, staff, and students. Together, we set out to create an event that would not only celebrate Dr. King’s legacy but also strengthen ties between our law school and the broader community. We brainstormed ideas and found ways to include multiple voices.

The work was challenging at times, and some colleagues questioned why I was taking on such a large project, especially as a newcomer.

But I saw this as more than just an event—it was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Our efforts culminated in a successful MLK Day program featuring a powerful keynote speaker, a community reception, and an awards ceremony to honor local legal organizations carrying forward Dr. King’s work.

One of the highlights was inviting the law school’s first African American graduate to speak at the event, which made the occasion even more special.

Through this experience, I demonstrated leadership without holding any formal administrative title in several ways:

I embodied my commitment to service and community engagement.
I fostered collaboration across different groups within the law school.
I created opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to contribute to something larger than themselves.
I ensured that those who contributed to the event were recognized for their efforts.

This wasn’t just about organizing an event.

It was about laying the groundwork for future collaborations. By taking on a high-impact project aligned with my values and professional goals, I found a way to serve others while creating space for leadership development within our community.

The results?

Not only did we successfully revive the MLK Day tradition, but the event also helped me forge stronger relationships within the university and the local legal community.

It positioned me as someone who could bring people together to achieve a shared goal. More importantly, it taught me that leadership isn’t about seeking recognition—it’s about serving with humility and creating opportunities for others to shine.

You can do this too.

Reflection: Your Path to Influential Leadership

As you consider your own journey in academia, reflect on these questions:

What unique strengths or perspectives do you bring to your department or field?
How can you align your service activities more closely with your research and teaching interests?
What gaps or opportunities in your academic community could benefit from your leadership?
Who are the potential collaborators or mentees that could amplify your impact?
What administrative tasks or commitments might you need to reconsider to focus on more meaningful contributions?

Remember, true leadership in academia isn’t about accumulating titles or authority.

It’s about making a meaningful impact, inspiring others, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in your field.

By focusing on service, leveraging your unique strengths, and strategically choosing your commitments, you can become an influential leader who shapes the future of your discipline and institution—all while maintaining the balance and fulfillment essential to a sustainable academic career.

In your journey toward becoming a full professor, embrace the power of leading by example.

Your actions, collaborations, and contributions will speak volumes, inspiring colleagues and students alike to strive for excellence and meaningful impact.

Until next time, keep leading through service, and watch as your influence grows far beyond the boundaries of traditional academic hierarchies.

Becoming Full,

P.S. Know someone who could benefit from this journey? Share this newsletter today and let’s grow this supportive academic community together!

Our Mission: At The Tenure Track, we believe every academic deserves to thrive both in their career and personal life. Our mission is to provide the tools, insights, and community support to help you achieve lasting success on the path to becoming a full professor—and beyond.