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 Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF).
You could use this list as a starting point to build a profile of your current skills and characteristics, and to identify those you would like to acquire. Referring to the RDF sub-domains will show you where the broader strengths and gaps in your profile are.
| Skill/characteristic | RDF sub-domains |
|---|---|
| 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 |
