Academic Leadership and Development

PhD Candidates, Postdoctoral Researchers, Senior Scientists, and Professors increasingly request coaching or workshops to help them navigate the joys and challenges of the academic journey.

Although many topics requested by academics are the same as those requested by leaders and teams in any other industry, there are also some specific challenges unique to academia. These include hiring and leading PhDs and Postdocs, obtaining grants, academic interviewing and presentation skills, successfully integrating into university department/institution, navigating the academic political landscape, planning a career outside of academia.

The Swiss National Science Foundation (www.snf.ch), many Universities, and Doctoral Programs (www.cuso.ch), offer coaching grants and workshop opportunities to academics.

 

Examples of workshops regularly offered to PhD Candidates and Senior Scientists

Emotional Intelligence for a Successful Academic or Professional Career

PhD Candidates and Postdoctoral Researcher face constant uncertainty and ambiguity, deal with diverse – and sometimes difficult - people, and push forward projects and ideas despite strong resistance and obstacles. In the most challenging times, this can lead to anxiety, frustration, anger, and even fear. When everything works out as planned, it can lead to pride, joy, or simply relief. Moods and emotions are an important part of working life. They motivate individuals, groups, and entire organizations and influence decision-making, relationships, performance, and health. A well-developed set of social and emotional skills will also help researchers enjoy and thrive in the stressful and politically charged university environment and pave the way towards a successful career, whether in academia or outside academia.

In this workshop, we will examine the positive and negative influences of moods and emotions at work, define emotional intelligence and demonstrate how it influences the behaviors and consequences of emotions, and discuss strategies to effectively use and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others. Since emotional intelligence is highly context dependent, we will discuss how languages and cultures influence emotions at work and the potential ways to deal with social situations depending on language and culture. Depending on the participants’ needs and goals, we will then apply these skills to topics such as: stress and conflict management; inspiring and influencing others; managing team dynamics; and navigating the politics and power games within academia and other institutions.

Proactively Managing Relationships and Networks

The doctoral dissertation process is a personal and professional adventure. PhD candidates spend many hours learning skills such as planning and conducting experiments, analyzing data, presenting results, and writing articles. Although such scientific competencies are of course essential, they are not enough. A successful career also depends on creating the “right” relationships with thesis directors, colleagues, and extended networks. For those who want to establish a career outside of academia, it also includes developing and maintaining professional networks. And for any career in today’s competitive and complex environment, a sophisticated social tool kit (e.g., self-presentation, influencing, negotiating, leadership, and communication) is essential.

In this workshop, we will systematically examine the factors underlying constructive work relationships. Then we will discuss how to proactively manage relationships, build skills, and develop and maintain networks that support the chosen or anticipated career path(s). Each workshop will be tailored to the needs of participants and build upon team dynamics and resources. The aim is to build awareness, develop skills, and to empower students for an enjoyable doctoral experience and a rewarding career.

Enhancing Group and Team Dynamics in Research Settings

In the realm of academic research, effective collaboration within groups and teams is paramount for innovation and success. This workshop aims to delve into the intricacies of group and team dynamics, providing PhD candidates with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate and enhance their collaborative efforts during their PhD journey and beyond.

Participants will:

• Explore key concepts such as communication, conflict resolution, diversity, and leadership within team and group settings
• Gain insights into fostering a productive and stimulating team environment, through interactive discussions and practical examples
• Develop practical strategies to improve collaboration and optimize group dynamics in research settings

This workshop is designed to be highly interactive, encouraging participants to engage with the material and each other.

Emotional Competence for Constructive Group and Team Dynamics

In today's competitive and collaborative work environments, emotional competence has emerged as a crucial factor for effective teamwork and group dynamics. This workshop aims to provide senior scientists and professors with a comprehensive understanding of emotional competence and its significance in fostering a positive and productive team culture. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants will explore how individual, interpersonal, and team-level emotional phenomena interact to create both virtuous and vicious cycles.

The topics we will cover include:

• Brief introduction to emotional competence
• The logic of emotions – and how to apply this logic to relationships
• The influence of language and culture on beliefs about emotions, relationships, and group / team dynamics and how this can support intercultural collaboration
• The dynamics of “emotional hostage taking” and how to manage it
• The power of emotions to create and lead stimulating and growth-oriented work environments
• Disentangling complex emotional situations
• Questions / cases brought by the participants

By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the skills to navigate emotional complexities, foster a supportive team environment, and drive collective success.