Dr. President Henry Cotton offered some reflections on Leadership Levels at the College Rectors Administrators and Presidents annual gathering. He reflected on a career in leadership. The challenges. The victories. The resistance to change that he has overcome. The hatred. The bitterness.

“It is easier to thought lead than to people lead. Or as we used to say ‘It is easier to be a thought leader than a leader of people.’ Thoughts. Those come to me every hour. I write them down. I then share them with my Senior Leadership Team. At that point, the brilliant thoughts dissipate, like gases released into the air, as the thoughts come into contact with people. People who cannot execute the idea as I envisioned it when I was thought leading don’t just hold back Willard College. They hold back my leadership.”

After concluding the speech, Dr. President Cotton received a standing ovation. Lunch was then served.

Provost Lying