Q & A with President Merten on Leadership

Three weeks ago, Mason's university president held a dialogue with students on the subject of leadership. During the question and answer session, students discussed with President Merten the merits of leadership, and posed questions about issues inherent in such a role.

What follows is a partial transcript of the discussion, compiled by Connect Mason reporter Mrinalini Ramanan.

Q: Being young leaders, we are not always given the respect or credibility that is necessary for leaders. What can we do as young leaders to remedy this situation?

A: Find the smallest thing to lead, make a difference, and build your credibility. When you define your area of impact and narrow it down, your presence is noticed more. Also, don’t forget to lead with others, especially those who are very, very, different from you. Being part of an organization where a difference of opinion is encouraged will enable more creativity and innovation. Personally, the people who surround me do not agree with me on many issues, and that only improves the current situation by challenging it.

Q: What are some fears you have overcome to become an exemplary leader?

A: One of the most common way people accept a leader is based on their public speaking skills. The ability to stand up in front of a group is very important to me, and that is what I work on every time I speak to large groups. I overcome my fear by getting rid of a podium and using a portable mike, as it creates more space for me to move around and have fun with what I am saying. I also do not memorize my speech, but just jot down the main outline of what I am going to say in my mind.

Q: What are your views on ethical leadership, and have you ever had to compromise your own values for an organization?

A: On the issue of ethics, I would say, don’t get too close to a bad choice. Stay away from bad situations and do not get involved. I was part of a team which was checking the credibility of a higher officer. We were offered a bribe that was much higher than our current salaries, and never once was I tempted, but it was quite a decision to make. We ended up not taking the bribe. I think the harder situations happen when you favor one group of people over another.

Q: What made you fall in love with your role?

A: I enjoy all the different groups on campus and watch people acquire pride with their work and their own role in the university. Another reason is love my work is I keep my family and friends involved in my job. I am not one of those people who has a work persona and a family persona.

Q: What was your initial, and what is your current vision for the Mason?

A: When I first arrived, Mason was a young university of only 24 years, and I was asking myself “How do we take all the pieces and build on what we already have? Whom do I hire?” I accepted invitations from any group or any event to become the face of Mason on the first year of my job. My wife Sally and I learned from the events the atmosphere of Mason, and started making events we were organizing involve the spouses of our colleagues. Suddenly, the events got a whole lot of people and the atmosphere benefitted.

• To learn more about how you can become a leader in your own life, visit Mason's Office of Leadership Education and Development (LEAD).