Effective Communication for Aspiring Laboratory Leaders

Relationship building is thoughtful and deliberate communication with the long-term goal of solidifying positive and deep connections.

The number of staff working for decades at a single laboratory organization is quickly diminishing. Due to changes that occur over time, seasoned staff can feel less ownership in their jobs and a sense that they do not belong. Disengagement and siloing—where staff mostly interact with their own team/department—are often compounded by remote work situations, which have increased following the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on relationship building can increase morale and help provide the sense of belonging that is needed for all staff to feel valued and connected. This can lead to higher workplace satisfaction and—ultimately—increase staff retention.

Building better relationships takes time and practice. Read Skills and Tips for Relationship Building to learn how to start developing and maintaining better relationships.

The following activities provide an opportunity to put the skills and tips outlined above into practice. 

• Individual: Practice, Practice, Practice
• Partners/Small Group: Coworker Connection Roleplaying
• Large Group: Commonality Scavenger Hunt

Empowering colleagues promotes growth, increases confidence, builds trust and boosts morale. As a result, an empowered team fosters a supportive work environment with improved productivity.

Laboratorians who feel empowered are more likely to be satisfied with their work and organization because they have influence and ownership over their work. As a result, they experience a higher level of commitment, responsibility, engagement and accountability. 

Empowering colleagues is something anyone can do, regardless of their position in an organization's hierarchy. Read Skills and Tips for Empowering Colleagues to learn more about what you can do where you are.

• Individual: Setting Personal Goals
• Partners/Small Group: Feedback Roleplay
• Large Group: Positive Comments Only

Conflict resolution is the process of addressing and resolving disagreements or disputes between parties through communication and negotiation.

Conflict is a common challenge in the workplace and unresolved conflicts can lead to burnout, poor morale and unnecessary turnover. Working toward a peaceful resolution of differing ideas is usually favorable to all parties. Conflict resolution prevents escalation of disputes, reduces stress, creates better outcomes by considering multiple perspectives and enhances teamwork and productivity. It also builds trust and promotes emotional well-being by addressing and resolving underlying issues. Ultimately, it fosters a positive and harmonious environment, even when laboratorians have differing perspectives. Conflict resolution fosters a constructive laboratory atmosphere where individuals can share ideas and work together to accomplish goals.

Resolving conflicts in a productive and calm manner takes practice. Read Skills and Tips for Conflict Resolution to learn how to avert, mediate and resolve conflicts.

• Individual: Journaling
• Partners/Small Group: Conflict Resolution Roleplay
• Large Group: Cards Against Conflicts