Below you will find a selection of resources linked to your recent training.
If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line.
Kate Jennings
kate@cambridgeexec.co.uk
Use the tabs on the left to find extra resources to help you explore specific issues and ideas in more detail through articles, videos, books and data.
This article from Science provides a neat and accessible summary of the case for management training when scientifically trained and minded people move into positions of leadership, quoting scientists and drawing on findings from researchers who have studied the issue. https://www.sciencemag.org/
A common theme in the literature focuses on the challenges faced by new STEM managers because of a lack of formal preparation for leadership during their education and early career. This thesis reports lower levels of job satisfaction across several measures for scientists with management responsiblity, and also highlights the importance of formal training in mitigating this effect and increasing scientific managers’ satisfaction in their roles: https://scholarworks.gsu.edu
Supporting the idea that scientific training may be leave people ill-prepared for management, this paper compares STEM manager’s self-rated competence across a range of skills to the levels of ability in the same skills they perceived as demanded in their jobs. Whilst early career scientists felt well equipped in terms of discipline specific knowledge and their abilities to gather and interpret information and manage data, their perceptions of their ability to manage others and work well in a team were significantly below what they felt they needed to do their jobs well: https://journals.plos.org
On the contrasting demands of science and leadership, this paper from the Review of General Psychology describes a study of the personality factors associated with both interest and success (measured in citations/publications) in science: https://www.researchgate.net
Read in conjunction with this paper from the Leadership Quarterly, which contributes to the significant body of work that emphasises the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, this suggests a clear tension between the attributes of creative, productive scientists and those of a great leader or manager: https://www.sciencedirect.com
Numerous studies in a range of contexts have shown a link between manager EI and team performance/decision-making quality, e.g. (Cordier et a. 2011; Angelidis and Ibrahim, 2011). A comprehensive paper by Stubbs Koman and Wolff (2008) describes how high EI managers lead teams with high EI norms (expectations and behaviours associated with reflectiveness, respect, openness, constructive disagreement etc.), and that these teams outperform others in a combination of senior leadership assessments and a range of objective measures.
‘Emotional Intelligence has 12 elements – which do you need to work on?’ A seminal idea, outlined by Daniel Goleman
For those who want a deeper dive into research from EI guru Daniel Goleman, this page provides a useful list of papers.
This blog post outlines research that describes how prolonged exposure to microaggressions and incivility at work can have physiological consequences. It also suggests that best ways to defuse stress resulting from conflict at work.
Book suggestion: Emotional Intelligence. Daniel Goleman.
Book suggestion: Atomic Habits. James Clear.
Book suggestion: Chimp Paradox. Professor Steve Peters.
‘Engagement, wellbeing, productivity and performance’ is an article from Saïd Business School outlining the relationship between staff engagement and work performance.
Gallup has done a lot of research on engagement at work. This detailed article outlines key findings: How to Improve Employee Engagement in the Workplace
Guide to neurodiversity, the benefits of having a neuroinclusive and fair organisation, and how to support neurodivergent people to be successful at work: Neuroinclusion at work | CIPD
CIPD Neuroinclusion at Work Report
Useful article describing how organisations benefit from embracing neurodiversity as neurodivergent individuals. Neurodiversity in the Workplace (mindtools.com)
‘Benefits & Challenges of Cultural Diversity’ – a useful summary by Katie Reynolds
Hard data on the benefits of diversity from McKinsey: Why diversity matters | McKinsey
This Forbes article explores the issue of unconscious bias, and its potential impacts on work organisations: How To Work With Unconscious Bias In Your Organization
10 Simple Rules for a Supportive Lab Environment | Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience | MIT Press
Google on psychological safety. Useful tips and tools for building psychological safety in your team, including this handy sheet of ‘manager actions‘.
Recommended reading:
- “The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth” by Amy Edmondson: In this book, renowned Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson explores the concept of psychological safety in depth. Drawing from extensive research and real-world examples, Edmondson offers insights into how leaders can foster psychological safety and create a culture that encourages learning, innovation, and growth.
- “Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.” by Brené Brown: While not solely focused on psychological safety, this book by acclaimed researcher and author Brené Brown provides invaluable insights into creating brave and inclusive spaces. Brown highlights the importance of vulnerability, courage, and empathy in building trust and fostering psychological safety within teams and organizations.
- “Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity” by Kim Scott: While primarily focused on feedback and communication, this book by Kim Scott emphasizes the importance of psychological safety as a foundation for effective leadership. Scott presents practical tools and strategies for cultivating a culture of open and honest communication, enabling leaders to create environments where team members feel safe to speak up and contribute their best.
CIPD factsheet focusing on wellbeing in the workplace, outlining the domains of their wellbeing model, and looking at the role of different stakeholders in cultivating a healthy workplace: Wellbeing at Work | Factsheets | CIPD
Mental health and employers: Refreshing the case for investment
Insights from Daniel Goleman on developing resilience: Resilience for the rest of us
A useful overview of the PERMA model: The PERMA Model
Book suggestions:
Flourish: A new understanding of happiness and wellbeing Martin Seligman
Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
The Telomere Effect Elizabeth Blackburn and Elissa Epel