The global competition in the sector of higher education is intensifying. Higher education management has become more complicated, and the fight between academic and administrative power has increased, causing power allocation and organizational challenges. As a result of increasing mobility and institutional requirements, leadership skills have been identified as the primary obstacle. Communication is a crucial component of any organisation for effecting change. Effective communication has always been and remains a vital component of human existence (Fashiku, 2017). Effective communication is essential for the success of all organisations, whether they are just beginning, expanding, or international (Yusuf et al., 2014). Most organisations, especially educational ones, need communication to organise their activities (Ibrahim & Mahmoud, 2003). Regularly, school administrators speak with teachers and support staff about various concerns affecting the school's operation. Witherspoon (1997) explained that leadership can exist only through communication. As culture-makers, decision-makers, and agents of change, the importance of leaders is growing. Communication is needed to build shared meanings, efficiently find and use information, and create and communicate visions to improve an organization's future and guide it through transitions.
Leadership
The quality of educational leaders depicts a considerable impact on the learning results and experiences of students, as well as on the overall running of the institution. Consequently, the selection and development of successful educational leaders has become a top priority for numerous educational systems around the world.
The concept of preferred educational leaders, also known as ideal educational leaders, refers to the personality traits and competencies that are thought desirable in educational leaders. These characteristics and skills have been identified via several studies and research initiatives, and they are regarded as crucial determinants of educational leaders' effectiveness.
Integrity is one of the most commonly recognised attributes of chosen educational leaders (Heifetz & Linsky, 2002). Educational leaders must be honest and moral to build trust with students, instructors, parents, and the community. Integrity is an essential trait of good leaders, as it enables them to lead by example and establish a positive and ethical organisational culture.
Empathy is another key character attribute (Goleman, Boyatzis, & McKee, 2002). Educational leaders need to create healthy relationships with students, teachers, and other stakeholders so they are able to understand and share the emotions of others. According to Darling-Hammond (2010), empathy enables educational leaders to comprehend the viewpoints and needs of other persons, enabling them to make well-informed decisions and foster a helpful learning environment.
In addition to personal attributes, educational leader competencies have been extensively studied. Communication is among the most essential talents (Hargreaves & Fullan, 2012). Effective communication is necessary for educational leaders to effectively explain their vision and objectives to others, as well as engage and motivate stakeholders. According to Sergiovanni (1994), communication is a critical part of leadership, since it enables leaders to connect with others, form connections, and create a sense of community inside the organisation.
Another crucial ability is problem-solving (Leithwood, Mascall, & Strauss, 2008). Effective problem-solving abilities enable educational leaders to assess complicated situations and generate innovative solutions, which can assist them in overcoming obstacles and enhancing the institution's operation. According to Hargreaves and Fullan (2012), problem-solving abilities are crucial for educational leaders because they enable them to make educated decisions and take action to improve the learning outcomes and student experiences.
Preferred educational leaders possess a combination of essential personality traits and skills. These traits and skills, including honesty, empathy, communication, and problem-solving, have been identified via several studies and research initiatives and are regarded as crucial variables in determining educational leaders' success (Sasan, et al. 2022). By cultivating and selecting persons with these characteristics, educational systems may ensure that they have successful leaders who can promote student learning and enhance the institution's overall operation.