Leading beyond the lab: A PhD’s guide to professional leadership

Note that this course replaces the course that was previously called 'Personal development 3 - Leadership and Management Skills'.

This course is tailored for PhD candidates seeking to develop essential leadership skills to excel in academia and beyond. You will explore various leadership styles, learn strategies for motivating teams, understand the dynamics of team roles, cultivate psychological safety, and align your leadership practices with values and purpose. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, you will emerge as a purposeful leader ready to navigate the challenges of academic research and beyond.

The key components of the course:

• Introduction to Leadership: Understand the concept of leadership and its importance in academic and professional contexts; Explore different leadership styles and identify and understand one’s own leadership style and preferences.
• Understanding Motivation: Explore theories of motivation and how they apply in the academic context
• Belbin Team Roles: Understand the concept of team roles according to the; Belbin model and how they contribute to team effectiveness.
• Team Development Stages: Explore the stages of team development and the role of leadership in facilitating team cohesion and performance.
• Creating a Safe Environment: Understand the concept of psychological safety and its importance in fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Clarifying Values: Reflect on personal values and their alignment with leadership practices.
• Purposeful Leadership: Explore the concept of purposeful leadership and how it drives organizational success and individual fulfillment; Leading with Integrity: Learn how to lead ethically and authentically, inspiring trust and confidence in others.

Learning goals:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify and leverage your preferred leadership style to effectively lead teams.
• Apply motivational strategies to inspire and engage individuals and teams in academic research.
• Understand team dynamics and roles, fostering collaboration and maximizing team performance.
• Cultivate psychological safety within teams, enabling innovation and creativity.
• Lead with integrity and purpose, aligning personal values with leadership practices for meaningful impact.

Format:

• Interactive Workshops: Engage in discussions, role-playing, and group activities to apply leadership concepts in practical scenarios.
• Case Studies: Analyze real-world examples to understand leadership challenges and effective solutions.
• Self-Reflection: Reflect on personal leadership experiences and goals to enhance self-awareness and growth.

Course dates and times:

This course consists of four 2.5h sessions:

• October course: Oct 2, Oct 9, Oct 16, Nov 13 (14:00-16:30)
• January course: Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12 (14:00-16:30) (Cancelled)
• May course: May 14, 21, 28, Jun 4 (14:00-16:30)