Academic Kindness and the Journey to Group Leadership
Reflections from Graz, my first panel and workshop
I’m still in Graz for a little longer, heading back to Umeå tomorrow — but I’m already feeling so grateful and full of energy after these past two days.
These were the first events I was invited to as a speaker/panel member, and that honestly means a lot to me. Huge thanks to Johanna Stadlbauer from the PostDoc Office for the trust, the warm welcome, and for creating such a thoughtful and supportive space. We connected instantly, and it really made these days special.
Yesterday, I joined the PostDoc Office Annual Event as a panel member, and today I gave a workshop on the path from postdoc to group leader. I shared my thoughts on academic kindness, and also told my very real story — with rejections, failed applications, uncertainty, and all the messy parts that are often left out.
Everything was so well organized: I got a lovely goodie bag, a reserved seat, the food was amazing, and the whole team was incredibly kind and helpful.
The discussions were open, inspiring, and full of honesty — time just flew. I'm heading home tomorrow with new connections, fresh ideas, and a lot of motivation.
And it was just really lovely to be back in Graz again.
🔗 Prepare and be courageous – Tipps und Tricks für den Weg zur Gruppenleitung
🔗 Exploring Collegiality – Good Leadership and Kindness in Academia
Embracing academic kindness for scientific excellence
I recently completed a fantastic course on resolving conflicts in research, which has equipped me with valuable tools to handle conflicts constructively and foster a positive, high-performing team environment through academic kindness
I recently completed a fantastic and thought-provoking course: Resolving Conflicts in Research - Leadership Skills for a Harmonious Team by Leadership Sculptor. This experience has been transformative, providing me with valuable tools to handle conflicts constructively.
Conflicts are challenging and often drain the energy of the parties involved. Depending on their size, they can also affect those around them. Ignoring conflicts is not an effective approach, as they can grow bigger and bigger until the all-destruction-I-do-not-care mode is switched on. This course has taught me the importance of catching conflicts in their early phases and addressing them constructively.
In some aspects, my inner voice was right, and for other situations, I now have valuable tools to navigate them effectively. The course also covered essential negotiation skills and strategies to build high-performing teams. I firmly believe that the best performance is achieved when a positive atmosphere and support are provided.
When humans interact, there are misunderstandings, miscommunication, and conflicts. I am convinced that it is the responsibility of a group leader to not only lead by example but also have strategies on hand that make the life of our groups easier. Clear communication and respect are keys for me, personally.
For me, scientific excellence is not just about achieving great results but also about how we achieve them. I believe in leading with academic kindness, fostering a supportive and harmonious work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. A positive team dynamic is crucial for innovation and productivity. By promoting clear communication, mutual respect, and understanding, we can create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective success.
In conclusion, this course has reinforced my belief that leadership is not just about guiding a team towards scientific excellence but also about ensuring that the journey is marked by kindness, respect, and support. I am committed to applying these principles in my leadership approach and fostering a culture of academic kindness in my team.
