Yourself (the PI)

For the busy principal investigator, leadership development can seem like an effort but it can enhance the capacity to lead oneself, other individuals and the team. In order to use the time and effort applied to managing your development efficiently, it is important to find a strategy that is consistent with your preferred learning style.

A critical skill for leaders is the ability to manage their own learning - on the case studies page, four research leaders reflect on a range of leadership development activities.

Reflection

Reflect on your former experiences and capture the learning and development that you gained from them.

Self analysis

• identify knowledge, behaviour and attitudes
• understand your motivation: a) through theory b) through practice
• identify core strengths
• evidence your abilities and identify gaps
• actively seek feedback from others, eg 360 degree feedback

What next?

• Opportunity awareness: gain a wider knowledge of the academic sector to identify, create, investigate and seize areas for personal and professional development. Identify possible sources of information and support within your institution.
• Decision making: understand your personal priorities and constraints (internal and external), so that each developmental opportunity and career step can be made following an informed decision. You need to able to match these to your core skills, knowledge, values and motives, etc.
• Networking: develop networks of contacts. You should be able to define, develop and maintain a support network for advice and information.
• Self presentation and promotion: define and promote your own agenda. Promote your own strengths in a convincing way.
• Goal setting and action planning: move your career forward in a structured way through planning and implementing an effective course of action, organising time effectively and preparing contingency plans. You should be able to monitor and evaluate progress against specific objectives.

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