A mission-critical role and responsibility of an academic dean is ensuring that those under their leadership are properly prepared to effectively and efficiently enact their respective roles and responsibilities in support of the institution’s mission and goals. Successful academic deans recognize the instrumental role that employees—as an organization’s most important resource—play in determining the success of their academic unit and institution, as well as their success as an academic dean. The management/leadership approach and style of an academic dean plays an instrumental role in preparing, motivating, empowering, and retaining employees.