Is there a problem with leadership in science? In essence, this is the question addressed by this paper from the Industrial Research Institute, in which data from thousands of 360-appraisals is analysed to compare the ratings given to research managers with those given to managers working in other contexts. Part of the study looked at Read more about Science leadership skills – a sector-wide challenge[…]
We rarely get to choose our colleagues, and sometimes our workplace relationships can be less than perfect. Of course constructive disagreement can be healthy and productive, particularly in scientific contexts. But when we perceive interactions as being needlessly rude or undermining, productivity, morale and engagement can suffer. But this paper from the Journal of Management describes how Read more about The embodied cost of workplace incivility[…]
Emotional intelligence refers to our ability to understand and manage emotions – both our own and others’. High EI has been linked to high team performance in numerous studies, but what exactly is the mechanism through which EI facilitates better collective decision-making? Researchers set out to answer this question in a study of 350 respondents working in Read more about Know thyself: How emotional self-awareness boosts team performance[…]
High-quality communication is a vital factor in boosting collective intelligence and performance in teams, and it has long been recognised that nonverbal information is instrumental in this regard. In fact, researchers have shown that body language, facial expressions and voice tone and pitch can be more reliable than spoken language itself in transmitting information about Read more about A video communication pitfall[…]
The concept of “collective intelligence” is a good way to think about how teams differ in terms of their ability to solve problems, make good decisions and generate innovations. Teams with high collective intelligence are better at combining skills, knowledge and abilities in ways that generate emergent, group level competencies that transcend those of individual Read more about How one ‘bad apple’ can drag on team performance[…]
“Brilliant at the science; not so good at the people focused aspects of the job.” The brilliant but socially challenged scientist is a tired cliché that many scientific leaders are keen to shake off, but most people who have worked in a STEM context will recognise the type. Highly analytical, process driven and independent, the very characteristics Read more about What are the challenges of developing leadership capacity in STEM organisations?[…]