Changing the guard: a methodology for leadership in transition

Although much has been written about leadership, particularly during the past 30 years, little has been written about methods to implement humanistic leadership, that is, to consider the wants, needs, desires, and aspirations of faculty in an educational institution. This article presents a model to help smooth the transition during periods of changing leadership by using humanistic management concepts. The model incorporates an action research strategy that facilitates organizational growth and development and provides for long-term organizational stability. The article concludes that changing the guard can be a productive, useful, and rewarding educational experience when tied to an action research model.