Publisher Notes

• Department Chairpersons will:

  1. Recognize the potential of a chair support group as a successful preventive measure for burnout and a valuable resource for coping and problem solving.
  2. Realize that he or she is not alone -- that there are common challenges and frustrations in being a department chair.
  3. Gain strategies for developing a strong, well-rounded, supportive team of department chairs at their institution to foster new perspectives and skills to relate to the dean, faculty, students or staff.
  4. Describe challenges and resources they expect to encounter in developing a chair support group at their institution.
  5. Understand the benefits of participating in a chair support group that not only gets along interpersonally but includes members who are willing to take risks, confront one another when necessary and accept constructive feedback. Benefits include:
  • Gaining a sense of empowerment and control
  • Improving coping skills and sense of adjustment
  • Talking openly and honestly about the challenges and related feelings
  • Challenge cognitive distortions and create objectivity
  • Reducing distress, depression or anxiety
  • Developing a clearer understanding of what to expect in a particular situation
  • Getting practical advice or information
  • Comparing notes about resources and alternative options
  • Collaborating to address problems, create solutions, and build bridges
  • Developing a coalition for advancing college wide initiatives
  • Identifying opportunities for collaboration between departments
  • Creating trusting relationships so that when differences or conflicts arise in coordinating council meetings, there is foundation to manage the conflict and generate new solutions
  • Motivating and mentoring each other