Topic 4: Managing individuals
This topic focuses on motivating, guiding, and developing individuals in your research team. The arrangements and contracts by which people come to be working with you will vary, which will affect their performance and the way in which they are best dealt with. For instance, critical expertise may be provided by a visiting fellow or a clinical titleholder. Staff on fixed term contracts have less job security than those on continuing/tenured contracts. External consultants and contractors may be working on other projects, which influences their availability. Students not only need to meet project goals, but also write their theses and publish. They have a right to expect supervision. These factors will influence their availability and attitudes to their work on the project. Being aware of these factors can help you to accommodate each team member’s requirements.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this topic you should be able to:
- Motivate the individuals working with you
- Develop clear performance expectations
- Build your skills in giving constructive feedback
- Identify areas for the continued development of your leadership skills and of others on the project
- Use university policies to care for your staff as individuals.
Topic content
Read the following notes.
4.1 Motivation
4.2 Performance expectations
4.3 Feedback
4.4 Developing the individual
4.5 Developing yourself as a leader
4.6 Caring for your staff as individuals
Modules