Building Leadership Capacity in a Complex Academic Environment

In today’s academic environment, leadership is no longer only about expertise or operational management. Universities and research institutions face rapidly changing demands, increasing complexity, diverse stakeholder expectations, and the constant need for collaboration across disciplines and cultures. In this context, leadership development becomes essential for all leaders.

That was exactly the motivation behind designing and acquiring in the LEAD Program, leadership training program for leaders at all levels in the university, describes Truus Poels, Vice-Rector Human Resources Development.

A program tailored for these leaders

From the start, the need was clear. This was not about generic leadership skills – it resonated because it was built specifically for academic leaders. It focused on developing self-awareness, communication, and the ability to lead multicultural, expert teams—capabilities that are essential in modern universities.

LUT selected BoMentis as a partner for this program, which was designed for everyone acting in a leader role in the university. Hence, all managers, from top management to administrative heads and professors, participated in the training program. This means on the LUT University level that there were more than 10 training groups with about 15 to 20 participants in each group.

A shift in how leadership is experienced

As the program progressed, something began to change – not only in what leaders knew, but especially in how they led.

Truus Poels depicts: “One of the most valuable insights was the importance of reflective and people-centered leadership in academic environments.”

This insight translated into everyday actions. Leaders started to listen more actively, pay closer attention to team dynamics, and consciously balance performance with wellbeing.

She explains how this showed up in practice: “These themes have been applied in everyday leadership through more conscious communication, increased attention to team engagement, and creating space for collaboration and dialogue in challenging situations.”

From individual insight to shared direction

While individual growth was meaningful, the most visible impact was at the team level. The university’s leadership team was the first group in the LEAD program and began to build a shared understanding of what leadership means at LUT – and how it should be practiced.

This resulted in:

• more open and constructive discussions in leadership meetings
• stronger alignment across units
• improved collaboration in multicultural and interdisciplinary contexts

The change was not dramatic overnight, but it was consistent and tangible.

As Truus summarizes: “The training strengthened both individual and collective leadership capabilities.”

Turning reflection into action

A key factor behind the program’s impact was the learning environment itself. BoMentis coaches created a space where participants could openly reflect on real challenges, ensuring that discussions stayed grounded in daily leadership reality.

“The coaches played an important role in facilitating reflection, creating a psychologically safe environment, and connecting leadership theory to practical academic realities.”

This made it possible to turn insights into concrete actions – not someday, but immediately.

The program lasted about 6 months for each group, and there were both training sessions and small group coaching sessions. Through this process, the combination of reflection, practical tools, and peer dialogue made the learning both meaningful and applicable. What stood out most for LUT’s leaders was how closely the program matched their context.

“I particularly appreciated the strong connection between the program content and the realities of academic leadership.”

Looking ahead

Leadership in academia continues to evolve, but LUT University’s experience shows that the right kind of development can make a real difference.

The LEAD Program helped their leaders move toward:

• more reflective leadership
• stronger collaboration
• and a more balanced approach to performance and wellbeing

Because in complex environments, leadership is not just about delivering results—it is about bringing people with you.