Highly appreciated leadership course for Research group leaders

Why did you apply to the course?

- I reached the level of manager in academia without ever having received any training in management or leadership. Like many of my colleagues, I realized the hard way that managing a team is not the same as doing experiments. I thought that having the basics of leadership and management could help me with the daily challenges of being a group leader. And it did!, says Nicolas Pillon.

What did you appreciate the most? 

- The backstage groups were the most interesting part of the course for me. Having theoretical knowledge is nice, but being able to work on real cases and scenarios gave a completely different perspective. I also appreciated hearing that other group leaders struggled with similar problems. Thinking as a group and finding concrete solutions was, to me, a way to apply a scientific approach to management.

Why did you apply for the leadership course? 

- I am planning to establish my own research group in the field of clinical pancreatology and needed a course where I can gain further information about the organisation and functioning of KI from the research aspect, as well as increase the ability to lead a group in such a way that I can further develop my skills and better use my personal strengths in the role of a leader, says Miroslav Vujasinovic.

What has been most rewarding about the course?

- The course helped me to better understand the meaning of personal leadership and coaching, communication skills, group dynamics, feedback, performance review and conflict management in research with particular emphasis on research ethics.  

What have you appreciated the most on the course? 

- Several aspects stand out to me from this course, these range from the more formal aspects in understanding group structures, my own roll and how others perceive it as well as the importance of tailoring feedback to fit an individual’s needs. Also understanding how diverse KI an organization is, yet the challenges fundamentally are similar between groups even if the context differs, says Chris Tibbitt. 

- Informally, the network I have gained with other PIs across KI departments and experience levels is invaluable and together these will provide solid foundations to continue my development as a leader.