Competences of Scientific Leadership

An Overview

Suppose you are leading or starting a group in a University or a Research Institute. You have one or more students, technicians, post docs or even senior scientists.

Of course, there are many skills that a scientific leader needs. We all can learn and apply these skills as routines and tricks, but will they work? When we are authentic, balanced and self confident, we rely on insight which we incorporate in our authentic behavior as a self leader. By training skills on natural insight and behavior, skills work. In this way we connect automatically and naturally with our students, colleagues, bosses and external contacts.

And how do you make this a successful team, with students that graduate with excellent MSc and PhD theses, postdocs who leave as qualified researchers ready for their next step in academic life, and contributions to science that attract the attention of your peers, and publications that are cited?

Vision – Mission – Strategy

Modern science is team work. Can you formulate your vision and your mission in research and education, and your strategy to achieve your goals? A crystal clear vision, mission and strategy, shared by your team members is crucial for building a successful research group.

Presenting Science:
Teaching, Presentations,
Publications, and Posters

Successfully conveying knowledge  requires insight in how audiences absorb information and clarity of your message: So what is it? And how will students, readers, conference delegates, etc. understand your message best, so they remember  and act upon it?

Skills for Daily Affairs and Organization

How to keep well balanced in the  world of demanding schedules and long work hours of an academic group leader, by setting clear priorities, boundaries, and involving your team members, on the basis of an appropriate set of skills, including proper time and project management. And how to avoid a burn-out?

Research and Development

What are your true drivers? What do you see as your challenges? What does your intuition tell you? What do your peers in the scientific community regard as necessary? Why are your research challenges important so others should spend valuable time and resources on it?

Supervision, Coaching and Partnering

How do you inspire others such that they will realize their potential as student or postdoc, and at the same time contribute optimally to the mission of your group? How do you engage in effective partnerships based on mutual trust? How do you know that you can trust the other? Are you merely complementary, or also able to bridge?

Grant Applications and Funding

Writing successful grant applications requires having a crystal clear picture of your mission and vision, and profound knowledge of what your scientific community perceives as necessary breakthroughs and challenges. Successful proposals will of course help you realizing your scientific dreams, but poorly presented proposals can come with a reputation penalty that you want to avoid.