Dean's manifesto : charting our journey

Abstract

I had wished to start this Preface with an inspirational leadership quote. A quick online search resulted in an overwhelming selection of catchy phrases that invariably portray leaders as quasi-saints: the ones who always put others first as they perform their magic subtly but effectively. Going through these quotes makes leadership seem almost natural and effortless. Romantic, even. Then, the discussions I had been having with Prof. Andrew Azzopardi and Prof. Alex Torpiano, as we explored their experiences as Deans, sprang to my mind. At that moment, I realised that no quote could ever convey these two leaders’ passion and determination as we explored their modus operandi, their triumphs and struggles, and all the good and bad that the Deanship journey entails.

As the stewards of academic institutions, Deans hold a unique position of influence and responsibility. In fact, it may seem as if the role description of a Dean is bursting at the seams. Our Deans have to act as the architects of their Faculty as they strive to create an environment where staff members and students co-exist peacefully and reach their goals. No mean feat!

This document, crafted with two esteemed Deans whose careers exemplify dedication to academic excellence and transformative leadership, stands as a beacon. As soon as Prof. Azzopardi shared his idea of documenting his and Prof. Torpiano’s reflections on their Deanship journey, I knew this would serve a dual purpose. Primarily, the resulting Manifesto is meant to provide a glimpse into the role of the Dean and may be inspirational to those who aspire to fulfil this role one day. Additionally, it will be part of the legacy of the two Deans who feature in this work.

In this view, the Manifesto is more than a collection of thoughts and reflections: it offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of a University structure. While they share the core principles that guided their leadership, they challenge us to rethink traditional paradigms, embrace inclusivity, and reflect on how to foster a culture of psychological safety.

This Monograph is designed as follows: a Preface by myself for each of the 11 themes that emerged from the analysis of interviews with the two Deans, a separate commentary by the Deans on that particular angle of their work, and an analytical piece by close collaborators.

As we scroll through this Manifesto, we are reminded that the future of a Faculty lies not only within the pre-set University structure and the procedures it dictates but also in the courageous efforts of those who dare to dream and act.

In conclusion, I have suddenly realised that while I had resorted to surfing the web in a desperate attempt to locate inspirational leadership quotes, I had inadvertently failed to realise that I have the most precious quotes of all – those uttered by my two colleagues who have been leading their faculties over the past years. So please join me in exploring their intriguing experiences, as shared in their own words.