Science career decision point 🧪 🔬 🔭 Great article from Nature on a common career decision point for scientists. It's linked below. In my own experience and talking to others I think it’s often a forced choice. If you want to progress then you have to take on management of people. It is something that often dogs scientists all through their career – the further you go up in a hierarchy, the further you move from the ‘front line’. That can feel incredibly tense. I know that’s how I felt and also that I wondered if it was a path that could be ‘undone’ if I changed my mind. In Agri-Food I also see a slightly different take on the same question. It is common for colleagues to not be in a lab, but be at the forefront of science, subcontracting work or working through collaboration (different from line management). Often those colleagues are deciding to step into management and away from reading, writing, data analysis and managing scientific projects, even if it’s not being in the lab directly. There are good tips in the article (from those who have experienced it) for people at this decision point (and in fact, any career decision point!): 1️⃣ Knowing yourself by reflecting on skills, style and values. I would ask, what really motivates and satisfies you? 2️⃣ Have honest conversations with stakeholders who would be influential or important in your new journey. Do your research. 3️⃣ Consider your personal circumstances, how will any new role help or hinder other things you want to do? Very much related to 1️⃣ If you are in this position, there is also a question to ask your leadership about the support you will receive. We know that from lots of management data that managers often feel unsupported. If you’re taking on something without clear leadership (new start up CEO?) perhaps ask yourself how and from where you will seek support. Last thing. What about thought leadership? The word management is used liberally in this article and we can take it quite literally. However, scientific leadership in organisations takes many forms. Individuals have the option of a traditional leadership path, inspiring, motivating and empowering teams of people as a manager. However, it is also an option to create a thought leadership position which also has tremendous value. That may involve no line management responsibility but leading through sharing of ideas and knowledge. Thank you Reinhild Geisen for highlighting this article to me. It’s nice to feel seen! #sciencecareers #scienceleadership #stem #coaching
Special case: a startup environment , even in leadership position, one must be at the forefront of science, problem-solving is part of daily life; in the lab ,for everyone. For first hires in a startup , the tasks assigned may not align with what the employees were hired for , and sooner or later they will rightfully hold leaders accountable for this.It is crucial to envision career path and promotions should not be tied only to manager positions. Indeed, knowing ourselves is very important to recognize the good path!
Science Leaders' Coach | Innovation Leadership Excellence
2whttps://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03237-0