Course content:
This course is designed for young scientists to provide you with basic theoretical and practical knowledge concerning leadership. The word "leader" goes with "people". Leaders are expected to improve human performance, as well as to manage resources. Yet many professionals focus only on technical or scientific qualifications – not on complex social interactions. These professionals soon learn that poor leadership and communication skills can undermine credibility and general effectiveness.
Be it in academia or in industry – leaders will very likely manage “knowledge workers” (smart, creative, highly professional individuals) – who expect to be treated respectfully and given opportunities to develop their potential. For these tasks working together with other people in a cooperative way, understanding their motivation, bringing about solid decisions and influencing a group towards win-win goals will be valuable skills.
You will take steps to learn how to identify your own leadership type, clarify leadership ideals and behaviours, script successful meetings and discussions, listen to acquire complete information, empower your staff, give constructive feedback and deal with conflicts.
Module 4 Leadership Skills
Leadership Models
..about styles, tasks & responsibilities
• Group Development
• Situational Leadership
Diversity
…how to handle different personalities
• The principles of personal behaviour
• Cultural background and professional self image
Delegation by Pleasure
…how to open space
• Stewardship delegation
• Decision and participation
Communication for Leaders
…typical situations und tools
• Face-to-face conversation
• Moderation of group/team meetings
Coaching
…about orientation and potential
• Providing constructive feedback
• Supporting your team members
Conflict Resolution
…a leader’s responsibility
• Harvard Negotiation Principles
• Mediation basics
Benefits for participants – they will
o understand what competences and qualities are important to effectively lead others
o learn methods and tools that are useful to supervise individuals or teams successfully
o reflect on their own individual strength and biases concerning leadership
o apply communication skills (i.e., active listening and I-messages) in the context of leading.
How - Methods
The training is conducted over 2 full days as a workshop. It mixes short theory lectures, discussions, individual and small-group exercises, plus role-playing exercises with feedback. The case studies are provided by the participants to ensure that the scenarios are as realistic as possible. For that, a questionnaire is sent to the participants in advance.
Target group:
We recommend this course for PhD candidatess who are in the second half of their PhD project.
Ideally, you have already a basic knowledge or taken a course on communication skills (e.g. conflict management). Postdocs of any level are equally welcome.
Feedback from previous participants:
"Sabine was able to flexibly steer the course in the direction which our group wasvfocusing on, without losing the content she wanted to deliver."
"The time given to discussion and the consistent involvement of everyone in the course kept everyone engaged."
"Interpretation of different leadership styles depending on the personalities and competence of the people you are leading."
"Task-focused, respectful atmosphere, personal cases."
Our courses are generally free of charge for all participants. However, they do have a price and can cost SEA / the AWI as much as 150 € per day per student. Please take this into account when cancelling your place at the last minute. Please, always send cancellations to sea.courses@awi.de
