During this economic period when colleges and universities have to do more with less, this timely book presents a multiple frame lens to assist chairs and deans in providing leadership that minimizes conflict and promotes solutions. Through the use of scenarios that are thoughtful, practical, and often humorous, the authors illustrate a broad range of possible strategies for analyzing complex problems in ways likely to be valued and respected by faculty. This highly readable book is a solid contribution to the field.

Ann S. Bayer, professor, Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education, University of Hawaii

Peak Performance is essential reading for college and university deans and chairs. Reader-friendly, the stories of failure and success are well told and provide new insights into solving seemingly intractible problems in leading faculty and providing exemplary leadership. This is the book for both aspiring and new deans (and seasoned and retiring leaders) to read to enable them to rethink and reenvision their roles and responsibilities. It offers new ways of doing so in helpful and meaningful ways.

David Imig, president emeritus AACTE and professor of practice, College of Education, University of Maryland, College Park

This short book provides a welcome addition to the literature on performing well in the role of dean and chair. Written by two individuals, one an administrator at a university with almost twenty years of experience in the roles of dean and chair, and the other a respected author on leadership, the book combines humor with insights into the complexities of serving as an institution's dean or chair. The book also contains a helpful bibliography with many recent titles that is worth its own exploration....This book would have profited me during the beginning of my tenure as dean, especially in avoiding some of the common mistakes that new deans and chairs make. I would highly recommend this resource to anyone who is considering becoming a dean or chair or who presently is one. This engaging book of case studies can make a difference in how one leads and interacts with others.

Teaching Theology & Religion