Postdoctoral Leadership Programme

Practical information

• Audience: Postdocs and research staff who are currently working on research contracts at Queen’s University Belfast.
• Date and time: May/June 2025 - details TBC
• Length: 2 days (09:30 - 16:30 on both days)
• Location: In-person - details TBC
• Number of places: 20 max
• Organised by: PDC
• Application deadline: TBC

Content

Whether they are coordinating a research project with multiple stakeholders, organising aspects of the functioning of their group, leading the organisation of events or initiatives internally or externally (workshops, development, research, social...), or planning to develop a vision for their independent research, postdocs get multiple occasions to demonstrate leadership.

The purpose of this programme is to help participants understand what leadership is, reflect on where and how they can play leadership roles and learn a number of core skills they can apply in any working environment, including academic research. Participants will be brought to reflect on how they can apply the principles discussed in the programme to their current situation or upcoming leadership challenges.

The following topics will be covered throughout this two-day workshop:

Day 1: Knowing myself as a leader

• Insights Discovery Psychometric tool. An interactive introduction to the way people think, behave and communicate; and how to use cognitive diversity to achieve powerful outcomes.

• Introduction to leadership (Direction, Alignment, Commitment – DAC – model, Drath et al.): Leadership versus management – understanding similarities and differences. You will carry out a DAC self-assessment to identify your strengths and areas for growth, as well as discuss the importance of our own personal values in leadership.

Day 2: Leading without authority

• Vision building – why do it and how to do it. Vision building as a key component of setting direction; why it’s critical in a leadership context; and how to (co-)create an inspiring vision that engages others.

• Coaching skills for leaders - bringing out the best in others. Looking at the mindset and skills set of coaching, how this can be used to support the performance and growth of those we work with.

Pre-requisites

Participants will have to complete the Insights Discovery psychometric questionnaire, which will be sent to them approximately 2 weeks prior to Day 1 - (this is quick and will enable them to get a detailed personal profile, and will be used in the workshop).