The connected higher education systems will be integrated into its local and international environment and open to the world, its education, history, geography, cultures and people. The aim of this research which is still in progress is to investigate new role and meaning of team leadership in connected higher education systems and also provide an assessment tool for team leader effectiveness in higher education. The multiple data were collected by in-depth interviews, research observation rating scaling, and self reports. The research findings indicate that the institute has weak team leadership profile and requires special perspectives and collaborative work environment. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved