Labwork to Leadership
As a graduate student and postdoctoral researcher, chemist Jen Heemstra learned how to collect data, write papers, and give talks to other scientists. But when, just a few years into her first job as a principal investigator, conflict broke out in the lab, she realized there was one skill she hadn’t learned: leadership.
Labwork to Leadership is the book that every PI needs. Drawing on her decades of experience—including plenty of trial and error—as well as research from psychology and business management, Heemstra nimbly guides readers through the essentials of scientific leadership. From fostering an inclusive lab environment to setting effective goals and learning to give and receive feedback graciously, she uncovers the curriculum successful PIs must follow to motivate lab members, communicate key values, and inspire confidence.
With candor and humility, Labwork to Leadership demystifies the critical leadership skills that too many universities fail to teach. And it shows how teaching scientists to lead can boost productivity, spur innovation, and, above all, help research teams rediscover the joy of science.
We will start by talking about how to lead someone important - you! The book will guide you in developing effective self-leadership practices including setting goals, managing your time, receiving feedback, dealing with failure, and more.
We will apply the self-leadership practices you’ve learned (and other new skills) to help you lead others. The book will offer actionable tips on how to create an environment in your research group that supports each individual in doing their best work.
We will finish our discussion by addressing how you can break the cycle by equipping future leaders. The book will share practical examples for how you can empower the current members of your research group so that they will be prepared to be tomorrow’s science leaders.
Gratitude Wall
Resources
If you want to take a deeper dive into the topics I cover in Labwork to Leadership, these are some of the books that I’ve found helpful.
These are some things that may be helpful as you work through the action items in the book.
I don’t just talk about leadership in my book! Check out my blog, podcast episodes, and other writing to hear more of my thoughts on leading yourself and others.