7 Qualities of great academic leaders

It should go without saying that academic leaders have a profound impact on the institutions they serve —  shaping the culture, direction and success of their teams. Leadership in higher education comes with a unique set of challenges, from balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders to maintaining a strong sense of purpose in a competitive sector. Yet, what sets great academic leaders apart is their ability to inspire trust, create clarity and champion the wellbeing of their employees. 

By understanding and exemplifying the qualities that matter most, these leaders can drive engagement, boost innovation and build a thriving academic community where everyone feels valued — but what makes for a great academic leader?

Related: 5 Workplace challenges facing academics in higher education

Qualities that unite great academic leaders

Let’s take a dive into what makes a great academic leader in detail — we’ll also explore our own benchmark data for the sector to see where most leaders stand in 2025.

1. Great academic leaders make a conscious effort to listen to their staff

Effective leadership begins with listening. Unfortunately, our benchmark data reveals that only 42% of academics feel senior leaders make the effort to listen to them. This statistic highlights a significant gap in communication and trust.

When academic leaders actively listen, they demonstrate respect for their employees’ perspectives. This approach builds a sense of inclusion and, ultimately, creates a more engaged workforce. Employees who feel heard are more likely to trust leadership, share innovative ideas and remain committed to the institution. Listening is not just a passive act; it requires openness and the willingness to act on what is heard. HEIs that notice a struggle in this area should invest in training for leaders, particularly in the area of active listening.

Related: Strong leadership in higher education is a game-changer

2. Great academic leaders provide a clear vision

Clarity of direction is another hallmark of effective leadership, yet only 45% of academics believe their senior leaders provide a clear vision for their institution. Without this, employees can feel disconnected from the institution’s goals and purpose.

A well-communicated vision aligns teams, improves productivity and supports higher engagement. Leaders with clear goals inspire confidence and help employees to understand how their contributions fit into the larger picture. And in an academic setting, where collaboration and long-term planning are incredibly important, a strong vision can significantly boost performance and retention.

3. Great academic leaders are fair and act with integrity

Integrity is foundational to leadership, no matter the sector. Great academic leaders model fairness and honesty, setting a standard for their institution. Despite this, only 59% of academics feel their institution treats everyone fairly and equally. This perception gap can really erode trust and get in the way of meaningful collaboration.

Leaders who act with integrity inspire confidence and create a culture of trust. Ethical behaviour encourages transparency and accountability, which are essential in managing the complexities of academia. Whether resolving conflicts or addressing inequities, fairness reinforces a positive institutional culture.

4. Great academic leaders are committed to diversity and inclusion

Higher education thrives on diverse perspectives, yet many institutions fall short in supporting underrepresented groups. Women, in particular, often feel alienated or unsupported. This makes it imperative for academic leaders to actively champion diversity and inclusion.

Promoting a welcoming environment requires leaders to listen to marginalised voices, implement inclusive policies and challenge systemic biases. Inclusive leadership benefits everyone by nurturing innovation and improving organisational wellbeing. Great academic leaders don’t just acknowledge the importance of diversity — they take meaningful steps to advance it.

Related: 5 challenges facing women in higher education

5. Great academic leaders recognise the good work and efforts of their employees

Recognition is a simple yet powerful motivator, but only 55% of academics feel appropriately valued and recognised for their work. Many universities face financial constraints, making it difficult to offer monetary rewards for exceptional performance. However, non-financial gestures — such as public appreciation or a heartfelt thank-you — can make a significant impact.

Acknowledging employees’ efforts boosts morale, reinforces a sense of purpose and cultivates loyalty. Great academic leaders understand that even small acts of recognition go a long way in making employees feel valued.

Related: 10 ways HEIs are proactively addressing reward and recognition

6. Great academic leaders allow employees autonomy in the way they work

Autonomy is particularly important in academia, where creativity and independent thought are central to success. Encouragingly, 75% of academics report having the freedom they need to perform their jobs effectively. This reflects well on academic leaders who prioritise flexibility and trust.

Employees who have control over their work are more likely to feel invested in their roles. In academic settings, where intellectual freedom is critical, this quality is especially significant.

7. Great academic leaders take action when employees speak up

Employee surveys can provide valuable insights, but they’re only as effective as the actions that follow. Alarmingly, only 36% of academics believe their institution will take action after a survey. This low level of trust undermines the purpose of seeking feedback in the first place.

Great academic leaders don’t stop at surveying — they take visible, meaningful action. By keeping employees informed about the steps taken in response to their feedback, leaders build trust and credibility. Transparency in this process signals that employees’ opinions matter and that their input drives positive change.

Great leadership is about more than achieving organisational goals. It’s about understanding the people who contribute to those goals and responding to their needs. By listening and taking action, academic leaders can strengthen trust and empower employees to shape the future of higher education.

We work with 75+ HEIs to improve and enhance the employee experience in meaningful ways. To get your higher education staff survey underway, get in touch today and a member of our expert team will reach out.