You might think you know how you would react in certain challenging situations given your knowledge and past experiences. However, in your role as a leader, not until you are faced with a particular challenge directly do you learn about your own capacity as a leader. Putting theory to practice changes everything. This week’s media allows you to consider how you might lead through challenges leaders face when attempting to make changes within an institution. For this Assignment, you reflect on key learning about leadership when facing challenges that arise when dealing with critical issues in higher education. To prepare: Review the interactive media piece for this week, pay attention to the nature of the challenges and the options a leader has to respond. Based on the challenges presented in this week’s interactive media piece what is your key learning? Explain how this exercise influences your understanding of change leadership. Would you classify these issues as reactive, proactive, or interactive changes? Explain why you chose each leader response for each challenge. What questions do the challenges raise for you? Submit a 1- to 2-page analysis of your reflection on the media scenario presented this week. This paper needs at least five references. This paper should be plagiarism free.

Reflection on Leadership Challenges in Higher Education Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Course Professor Date Reflection on Leadership Challenges in Higher Education Over the years, the definition of effective leadership in higher education has become more outward-looking, representing the role of colleges in a wide-ranging system of decision-makers and shareholders. More recent investigations have distinguished a crucial skill of effective leaders, identifying and capturing prospects, and the significance of social interaction and trust-building has significantly increased. However, higher education leaders still face significant challenges, especially in change management. This reflective assignment examines such challenges and how leaders can effectively manage to address them effectively. Key Learning from the Media Piece The media piece presented a case where a group of students protested outside of the student union to express their concern about an unfair increase in tuition fees. Students believe that the increase is hurting, and they “cannot afford to attend school and meet basic living expenses” (Walden University, 2025). Such interactive media piece underscores the complexities leaders encounter when addressing challenges in higher education. This scenario highlights the need for empathetic, inclusive, and strategic leadership. Research identifies the need for empathic communication during such challenges (Nakamura & Milner, 2023). In this case, leaders need to develop skills to create a mutually constructive space among stakeholders. The spaces are opportunities for leaders to get feedback and learn to reach a mutual agreement to solve the existing challenge. The crucial learning from this case is the significance of understanding stakeholder viewpoints and engaging them in the decision-making process. Research specifically supports the need to align leadership approaches with the precise needs of learners, staff, and faculty to realize success (Buller, 2015). Moreover, it is vital for a leader to rem...