Leadership development

Through your doctoral training you will already have developed knowledge and attributes desirable in a good leader, such as analytical skills, original thinking, innovation, creativity, effective communication and expertise in your area. Leadership development will help you to realise your potential by making the most of these existing strengths.

‘ Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use ’

Charles Schulz (American cartoonist, 1922-2000)

Leadership is about influence and making things happen, not only about ‘being in charge’, so whatever your strengths and whatever your personal goals, leadership development will bring benefits for your research and your career. Recent government policy recognises an important role for the research workforce in underpinning the future economic well-being of the UK and has prioritised development of attributes such as leadership that will capitalise on researchers' high-level skills. Employers are not only looking for individuals with research skills but for those who can demonstrate leadership potential.