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Skills and characteristics of a PI
This list of the skills and characteristics of effective principal investigators (PIs) was generated by PIs themselves in focus groups and other PI training events at a range of institutions. The skills and characteristics correspond with many of the behaviours and attitudes of high profile research leaders identified in the Researcher Development Framework (RDF).
| Skill/characteristic | RDF section |
|---|---|
| Adaptable | B2.4 |
| Caring | B1.3, B1.6, D1 |
| Challenges | A3 |
| Consistent | B1.2 |
| Delegation | D1.2 |
| Develops others |
B3 |
| Does great research |
A1.1-4 |
| Does the right thing |
B1.3 |
| Doesn't compromise |
B1.3 |
| Doesn't panic |
B1.2 |
| Efficiency |
B2 |
| Empathises |
D1.1-3 |
| Empowers |
D1.3 |
| Encourages and supports |
D1.1-6 |
| Enthusiastic |
B1.1 |
| Establishes ground rules and expectations |
D1.1-3 |
| Ethical |
B1.3, C1.2 |
| Fair | B1.3, D1.1-3 |
| Financially astute |
C3 |
| Fosters creativity |
A3 |
| Good communicator | D2, D3.2 |
| Good listener |
B1.5, D1.1-3 |
| Handles difficult situations |
D1.2 |
| Has authority |
B3.5 |
| Has experience of a similar position |
B1.1 |
| Helps out/'walks the walk' |
B2.2 |
| Incentivises tasks |
D1.3 |
| Innovative |
A3.3, A2 |
| Inspires |
B3.5, D1.6 |
| Is corporate |
D3 |
| Knows where to go for help |
C1, C3 |
| Knowledge of legal, financial requirements, etc |
C1, C3.2 |
| Makes expectations clear |
D1.3 |
| Mentors | D1.5 |
| Motivates |
D1 |
| Networks |
B3.4 |
| Nice |
D1.1 |
| Open-minded |
A3.1, B1.5 |
| Openly admits mistakes |
B1.5 |
| Organised |
B2 |
| Passionate |
B1.1 |
| Persuades |
A1.1, A3.4, D1.3, D2.1 |
| Pioneering |
A1.1, A2.3, A2.5, A3.3 |
| Plans project |
C2.2 |
| Political |
D3.4-6 |
| Practises what they preach |
B1.3 |
| Prioritises |
B2.3-5 |
| Proactive |
B1.1, B1.6, B2.2 |
| Provides positive feedback |
D1.1-3 |
| Realistic |
B1.3, B1.6, B3.1, C1.7, C2.3 |
| Recognises the importance of individuals |
D1.1-5 |
| Resolves conflict |
D1.2 |
| Respectful |
D1.1 |
| Responsible |
B1.6 |
| Tough |
B1.2 |
| Sees the bigger picture |
A3 |
| Seeks feedback on own performance |
B1.5 |
| Self confident |
B1.4 |
| Sets a good example |
B3.5, D1.1-5 |
| Skilled in recruitment and selection |
D1.2 |
| Strategic |
C2.1 |
| Successful |
B3.5 |
| Takes risks |
A3.5 |
| Team building |
D1.2 |
| Time management |
B2.3 |
| Visionary |
A2, A3.3 |
| Works to high standards |
A1.1, B1.3 |
| Works to objectives |
B2.1 |
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