The Administrator as Leader Administrators of adult and continuing education programs are also leaders whose job it is to bring about positive change. Administrative leaders challenge the process and often shed new light on old policies, simply by asking why things are the way they are. In this way, they foster dialogue and creative thinking which often leads to a shared vision for the work of the adult education organization. At the same time, leaders of adult education organizations are responsible for creating and maintaining a work climate which enables and empowers others to take actions necessary to bring about changes suggested by the shared vision. Leaders are innovators, intent on involving stakeholders to bring about mutually beneficial changes.
Administrative leaders are aware of their role as models and act accordingly.
Leaders in administrative positions have responsibility for encouraging the heart, both individually and collectively, to nurture the spirit of the organization. Administrative leaders focus on the horizon and on the future. They have a long-range view and are concerned with creating a successful organization for the future, even to the extent that they will try something new before necessity dictates change. In the leadership role, the orientation is toward people and relationships more than the completion of tasks. Administrative leaders inspire trust by sharing information openly, working to create shared meaning about the nature of the adult and continuing education organization and its mission.