Leading with Fresh Eyes: Why Every Institution Deserves Its Own Approach

Taking on a new leadership role is an exciting opportunity to shape vision, build trust, and guide an institution forward. The challenge comes when leaders rely too heavily on what worked in their previous roles. Success in one place does not guarantee success in another, because every institution has its own history, culture, and people.

The traditions of a university or organization are not just ceremonial events. They represent the fabric of the community. Ignoring or dismissing them simply because they are unfamiliar can damage trust before it is built. 

At Limestone University, I was often reminded of how important these traditions can be in shaping pride and identity. 

A thoughtful leader embraces that heritage, then looks for ways to introduce new ideas gradually, in ways that strengthen rather than replace.

Too often, leaders arrive with a ready-made playbook, making changes to programs or altering long-standing practices before they fully understand their new environment. The issue is not change itself, but the assumption that the same strategy will succeed everywhere. 

Leaders who consistently fall back on what worked in their previous role may not fulfill the expectations we hoped for in their new position. A leader who does not genuinely appreciate the institution they are joining can be tempted to reshape it to resemble their former workplace, but this approach overlooks the unique character and strengths of the new community. Leadership is never one size fits all.

This principle was often highlighted by former Limestone President Dr. Walt Griffin, who led the institution for a quarter of a century. He frequently encouraged leaders to approach their work with the mindset captured in Loren Pope’s book Colleges That Change Lives. One phrase he often repeated was "find a small college and fall in love with it." The message is clear. Leaders who truly care about the institution they join take the time to understand and value its unique qualities rather than simply trying to replicate past experiences.

Those who embrace this mindset are more likely to build trust, honor tradition, and guide meaningful progress.

The most effective leaders pair confidence with humility. They listen first, adapt what they know, and respect the uniqueness of the place they now represent. Experience matters, but so does the willingness to learn.

Leadership is not about recreating the past. It is about helping a new community thrive on its own terms. By honoring tradition while carefully guiding progress, leaders can build trust, inspire momentum, and create a legacy that lasts.