Assertiveness is often misunderstood. It’s not about dominating a conversation or overpowering others. Instead, assertiveness is rooted in balance — a confident expression of one’s rights and priorities while respecting the rights and perspectives of others. It’s about meeting the world with an attitude of, “I’m okay, you’re okay,” treating others as equals and communicating […]
Assertiveness is Not Aggressiveness Read More »
Leadership often brings with it a lack of clarity — not just about the performance of others, but about ourselves. This uncertainty can stem from our own filters, misconceptions, or even a lack of self-confidence. As leaders, we may struggle to see ourselves as others do, which can create blind spots that limit our growth
Reflect. Lead. Repeat. Read More »
We all take on different roles in our daily lives, whether as leaders, team members, or friends. Understanding these roles and how they shape our behaviour is essential for effective leadership and meaningful interactions. Dr. Jacob L. Moreno introduced a taxonomy that organises roles into three categories: social, dramatic, and somatic. This structure helps us
Negotiation often feels like a tug-of-war, with each party holding firm to their positions, leading to a back-and-forth struggle. This approach, known as positional bargaining, can result in inefficient outcomes and strained relationships. A classic example is depicted in Monty Python’s Life of Brian, where a haggling scene in the bazaar humorously illustrates the pitfalls
Beyond the Tug-of-War: Rethinking Negotiation for Better Outcomes Read More »
Leadership often evokes images of goals achieved, challenges conquered, and teams united under a shared vision. Too often, the developmental aspect of the people involved is ignored.  Authentic leadership isn’t just about attaining milestones—it’s about creating a legacy where influence and care blend seamlessly. This is the foundation of what we label Enduring Leadership Excellence.Imagine
Enduring Leadership Excellence Read More »
Conflicts are a natural part of our work as researchers. However, the way we approach managing and resolving these conflicts can make all the difference. It’s not just about addressing disagreements but about choosing the right strategy for the situation and the people involved. Over the years, researchers have developed models that help us understand
Finding Solutions in Conflict Read More »
When I say this to the 200 or so managers and researchers I teach every year, they wince. They’ve spent years working with what can be objectively proven, measured and seen when you perform the right experiments.So what does it mean when I say that emotions are data?It means that for the sake of our bodies and
Emotions Are Data, Too Read More »
What truly defines an excellent leader? Having spent years working in various leadership roles, including as a research programme director at ABB, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing great leadership in action, and it’s clear that such leaders share certain key qualities. Whether it’s inspiring a team or navigating challenging situations, the best leaders are
Qualities of Excellent Leaders Read More »
Effectively managing a conflict starts with accurately identifying its source. Leaders who can diagnose issues correctly are better equipped to implement appropriate strategies, fostering a more harmonious and productive research environment. In my experience, many researchers hope these conflicts will resolve themselves—magically. Unfortunately, they almost never do. Addressing conflicts often lies beyond our comfort zone,
The Magic of Conflicts Read More »
Once I facilitated a ½ day workshop on leadership at the 1st Post-Doc Days at the Institut Pasteur in Paris. One of the topics we discussed was motivation, the topic researchers ask most questions about. Science is not for the faint-hearted: as one participant pointed out, about 90% of her experiments don’t work. Few days are graced with success.
Four Keys to Unlocking Motivation Read More »
