This two day workshop is indended to provide managers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage, motivate and retain highly trained professionals in a scientific, regulatory, R&D/laboratory environment. The content is directed towards middle R&D managers, and those who currently supervise technical personnel, as well as those who take on supervisory duties on a temporary basis, or are being considred for promotion to an R&D supervisory position. This workshop draws heavily on over 50 years of literature on the management of R&D personnel and creativity.

Exact modules to be presented, subject to minor changes.

Workshop Outline

Managing an R&D Team

• Selecting Team Members
  Organizing the Team
  Rewarding and Motivating the R&D Team
  Organizational Actions that Support or Inhibit the Team's Effectiveness
  Characteristics of Effective R&D Teams

Managing or Dealing with Substandard Performers

• Types of Substandard Performance in a Laboratory
• Reasons for Poor Performance
• Conducting Performance Appraisals: Why and How
• Correcting Substandard Performance
• Dealing with the Disruptive R&D Scientist or Engineer

Effectively Managing Time, Delegation and Meetings

• Identifying Time Wasting Activities in R&D
  Avoiding Time Wasting Habits
  Delegating Work Assignments Effectively
  Practical Guides for Holding Productive Meetings

Effectively Managing Conflict and Change in R&D

• The Benefits of Moderate Conflict
  Types of Conflict in the R&D Setting
  Causes of Interpersonal Conflict Between Scientists and Others
  Resolving Conflict Among Scientists
  Introducing Change Effectively
  Types of Change that Cause the Greatest Conflict in R&D
  Reducing Resistance to Change
  

Some of the following modules may be substituted.

What an Effective R&D Team/Group Leader Does

• Important Management Functions
• Key Activities of an Effective R&D Manager/Team Leader
• Factors that Influence an R&D Managers/Team Leader's Behavior
• Organizational Factors that Support or Inhibit Effective R&D Management

• Selecting the Best R&D Team or Group Leaders
• Orientation of New Leaders/Supervisors
• Training R&D Supervisors/Team Leaders
• Importance of Mentoring
• Transition Difficulties to Avoid

• Key Motivational Theories
• Motivating Research Scientists/Engineers
• Identifying Scientists'/Engineers Motivational Needs
• Rewarding and Recognizing R&D Personnel
• Motivational Tools
• Actions to Increase Researchers' Motivation

• What is Creativity and Innovation
• Elements of an Organizational Climate or Culture
• What We Know About Creativity in an R&D Environment
• How to Encourage Breakthrough Idea Generation
• Lowering Your Organization's "Terror Quotient"
• Identifying and Avoiding Creativity and Innovation Poisoners
• Actions You Can Take to Support a Creative and Innovative Culture

Workshop Director: Paul Wright

Participants receive a 100+ page workshop manual for each phase.

Stargate Consultants Limited
1687 Centennary Drive, Nanaimo, B.C.  V9X 1A3
Canada
Tel: (250) 755-3066  Fax: (250) 753-3067