Making a difference does not often provide instant gratification, however. Leading in a complex environment like higher education is a long, slow process, and gains may not be visible for years or decades to come. If you can't accept the results in the form of a legacy, you may want to think again about taking on this risky and sometimes frustrating calling. If you don't share these core beliefs, leadership in higher education may not be worth it for you. For me the rewards are great.
Differences are a natural part of human interaction.
That is as true when two friends are trying to decide which movie to see as when an entire university is coming to grips with restructuring in the face of economic challenges. I'll go further and say that conflict can often stimulate us to work smarter than we would otherwise. The energy that comes from differences between and among people can be a very positive force. That's not to say that leaders are advised to stir up conflict when it doesn't exist. Rather, they need to know how to manage conflict when it arises.