Universities now operate like corporations. Budgets, enrollment, and metrics dominate conversations that used to be about scholarship and teaching. And yet, while chairs are expected to run their departments like business units, most get no leadership training at all. You’re managing budgets, people, and strategy. But nobody ever taught you how. So let’s borrow something that works from the corporate world: Stop managing your dean. Start showing your work. The Problem with “Managing Up” If “managing up” makes you cringe, you’re not alone. It sounds political. Manipulative. Everything you went into academia to avoid. You’re right to resist that language. You don’t manage your dean. Your job is to lead your department well and make sure the right people know what’s happening. Why Deans Feel Distant Your dean isn’t ignoring you; they’re overwhelmed. Ten departments. Ten priorities. Ten contexts. That’s maybe two hours a week to focus on yours. They’re juggling...