Leading Scientists programme
helping scientists become leaders
Welcome to coachGraham’s Leading Scientists programme,
a people-focused programme to help technical experts grow and shine as leaders.
​
Are you a technical expert, a scientist, or a researcher with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in your field? Considering or taking the step into a leadership role within your scientific or technical organization? If so, you're in the right place.
Leading Scientists
The tragedy of the technical leader
Every senior scientist, engineer, or software developer recognises the scenario. Jim was the best technical person on the team, so senior management promoted him to lead the team. And … let’s just say things aren’t going well.
However much we would like to think otherwise, the skills that make a great technical analyst do not make a good leader. Analysts are cool, detached, rational, and unaffected by emotion. Leaders must be emotionally literate above all else – emotions are the currency that support interactions with other people, and especially in hierarchical relationships.
Jim had a three-day management training course, which helped him learn about broad leadership, different management styles, skills, and general management techniques. But putting it into practice can still be a challenge. He feels insecure, out of his depth, and his confidence is destroyed. The team loses motivation, feels unsupported, and feels like Jim just doesn’t care. Eventually productivity drops and everyone wonders what’s gone wrong.
It’s a sad story, repeated time after time in technical groups across the commercial and academic worlds. More enlightened managers make much better appointments, but the challenge of leadership is still very real. We may call it imposter syndrome, a lack of confidence, or simply “I know what I need to do, but I can’t pull it off” – all are symptoms of leadership failing to find real action.
​
The Shift
It doesn’t have to be like that. Coach Graham’s Leading Scientists programme is here to help technical leaders to deliver really effective leadership. Using well established and evidence-based techniques, we will work together to put theory into practice. You will find your true voice as a leader, and also think through specific challenges as you face them, so that you develop strategies and skills to communicate effectively and lead your team to success.
A very important part of the programme is finding your own natural management style, and developing ways to implement different styles as the situation demands – while staying true to yourself.
Leading Scientists
in organisations
Leading Scientists in Organisations
This programme is particularly appropriate for a cohort of new and aspiring leaders within technical companies. If you have colleagues in similar positions - or are an HR Manager representing some - click the button below and let's discuss possibilities.
Naturally I'd be happy to tailor the package to your specific requirements, and price appropriately for scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific learning objectives of the programme?
Each programme is tailored for the individual, but participants typically develop key skills such as:
emotional intelligence;
managing people;
communications skills – particularly with reference to a non-technical audience;
time management;
project management;
prioritisation;
motivating a team;
self confidence.
Could you describe the coaching process in more detail?
My approach to coaching uses evidence-based techniques drawn from modalities including person centred, cognitive-behavioural, and existential coaching. I also introduce concepts from transactional analysis and neuro-linguistic programming, as appropriate for each individual client. Every one has unique needs.
​
However, the key elements that make the process work are empathy and rapport. In the session, it will feel simply like a really focused chat with a good friend and confidant. I will invite you to reflect on what you want to work on, and bring energy from your emotions as well as intellect to it. In this way we develop a deeper understanding of the challenges, and can produce truly effective approaches.
What is the duration and frequency of coaching sessions?
The core programme runs over three months, with five 1:1 sessions during that time plus a follow-up around the six-month mark.
I’ve recently been promoted, with a few colleagues. Can we work together?
The Leading Scientists programme is particularly suitable for use within organisations. Although 1:1 sessions remain at the core, I can incorporate scheduled peer-support sessions, group training and workshops. And of course, economies of scale allow me to offer discounts for larger packages.
How do I sign up?
Get in touch and book a free Discovery Call for the Leading Scientists programme.