As middle managers in higher education, department chairs play a critical role in the university structure while operating in an ambiguous location between faculty and senior administration. This paper will take a closer look at the role of department chair, how chairs are selected and prepared for the position, what the job entails, qualities of an effective chair, and challenges within the position. Then, after brief descriptions of family systems theory and family strengths perspective, the benefit of each as a useful lens for enacting the position of department chair will be explored. Sample applications of each will be provided.