As most of us are in academia because we find it a place where we can increase our knowledge in many areas including those in which we have developed an expertise.  Academics should be the prototype of what’s been called the life-long learner.  As an administrator you will be faced with issues in which you have little knowledge or background.  In these situations, it is best to become a student and do whatever you need to do to educate yourself about those issues. 

You might read about those issues or spend time with someone who is an expert in dealing with those issues.  I have always found it an advantage of being an administrator in a school with several different disciplines.  Interactions with members of those disciplines have taught me a lot and that knowledge has made me a better administrator because it provides me with the information, I need to make informed and equitable decisions.  I have also learned that you can learn from colleagues who are at different stages in their careers.  Junior colleagues may have background and insights that some senior colleagues don’t have. 

No matter how experienced and accomplished you are in your discipline, you can always learn something new from the other colleagues in your discipline.  Junior colleagues often are aware of some new developments in your discipline which you may not know much about. Asking them to help you, gives you the opportunity to learn from them.  Don’t be afraid of your own ignorance.  No one will think less of you if you are not knowledgeable in a certain topic.  In fact, by asking others to help you, you will be modeling a behavior that you would like all your colleagues to have.  All successful academics want to continue their learning in their field and other fields.  Continual learning not only increases your knowledge base but also makes you a more well-rounded person.     

Remember: Being open to learning new things in your discipline and other disciplines will increase your knowledge base.  This increase in your knowledge will give you the information  you need to make better informed and equitable decisions.

By: Louis H. Primavera, Ph.D.