Use the tabs on the left to find extra resources to help you explore specific issues and ideas in more detail through articles, videos, books and data.

Book suggestion: Radical Candor by Kim Scott. (also see video: Radical Candor In 6 Minutes With Kim Scott (youtube.com)).

Coaching skills – additional reading

Book suggestion: The Coaching Habit (Michael Bungay Stainer) (summary)

‘Benefits & Challenges of Cultural Diversity’ – a useful summary by Katie Reynolds

Hard data on the benefits of diversity from McKinsey: Why diversity matters | McKinsey

This Forbes article explores the issue of unconscious bias, and its potential impacts on work organisations: How To Work With Unconscious Bias In Your Organization 

Numerous studies in a range of contexts have shown a link between manager EI and team performance/decision-making quality, e.g. (Cordier et a. 2011; Angelidis and Ibrahim, 2011). A comprehensive paper by Stubbs Koman and Wolff (2008) describes how high EI managers lead teams with high EI norms (expectations and behaviours associated with reflectiveness, respect, openness, constructive disagreement etc.), and that these teams outperform others in a combination of senior leadership assessments and a range of objective measures.

‘Emotional Intelligence has 12 elements – which do you need to work on?’ A seminal idea, outlined by Daniel Goleman

For those who want a deeper dive into research from EI guru Daniel Goleman, this page provides a useful list of papers.

This blog post outlines research that describes how prolonged exposure to microaggressions and incivility at work can have physiological consequences. It also suggests that best ways to defuse stress resulting from conflict at work. 

Book suggestion: Emotional Intelligence. Daniel Goleman.

Book suggestion: Atomic Habits. James Clear.

Book suggestion: Chimp Paradox. Professor Steve Peters.

‘Engagement, wellbeing, productivity and performance’ is an article from Saïd Business School outlining the relationship between staff engagement and work performance.

Gallup has done a lot of research on engagement at work. This detailed article outlines key findings: How to Improve Employee Engagement in the Workplace

WorkLab: Hard Data, Compelling Stories, Vital Insights (microsoft.com) – research from Microsoft’s in-house team. Interesting section on hybrid working.

Details of Project Aristotle, Google's major, data-driven study of what makes a great manager: re:Work - Guide: Identify what makes a great manager

The Influencing Styles questionnaire: https://wp.me/a98kVc-1eR

Transactional leadership

8 other leadership styles

6 Ways to Support your Team

Situational leadership style questionnaire (can be completed by your team, with reference to you as a leader, not themselves.)

Situational leadership style questionnaire with detailed explanation notes.

‘2022 EY US Generation Survey’ describes the differences between the work expectations and needs of people of different generations.

How to Manage a Multi-Generational Team This HBR article provides some practical tips for managing across generations.

5 ways to successfully manage a multi-generational workforce. Another perspective overlapping with the above, providing more quick takeaways for inter-generational teams.

‘Managing Scientists’ – a neat and accessible description highlighting the challenges faced by new managers in scientific organisations due to a lack of formal preparation in people-management skills they have received during their education and early career.

This page contains a wealth of information relating to the specific challenges of scientific leadership, and how scientific training can leave skills gaps when it comes to important management skills: Science leadership research.

10 Simple Rules for a Supportive Lab Environment | Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience | MIT Press

Google on psychological safety. Useful tips and tools for building psychological safety in your team, including this handy sheet of ‘manager actions‘.

Recommended reading:

1. "The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth" by Amy Edmondson: In this book, renowned Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson explores the concept of psychological safety in depth. Drawing from extensive research and real-world examples, Edmondson offers insights into how leaders can foster psychological safety and create a culture that encourages learning, innovation, and growth.
2. "Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts." by Brené Brown: While not solely focused on psychological safety, this book by acclaimed researcher and author Brené Brown provides invaluable insights into creating brave and inclusive spaces. Brown highlights the importance of vulnerability, courage, and empathy in building trust and fostering psychological safety within teams and organizations.
3. "Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity" by Kim Scott: While primarily focused on feedback and communication, this book by Kim Scott emphasizes the importance of psychological safety as a foundation for effective leadership. Scott presents practical tools and strategies for cultivating a culture of open and honest communication, enabling leaders to create environments where team members feel safe to speak up and contribute their best.

‘How leaders create and use networks’ by Jerminia Ibarra and Mark Hunter.

‘Managing your Boss’ by J Gabarro and J Kotter; a mini book from Harvard Business Review series. This is a quick read on how to understand and work more effectively with your line manager. The principles apply to other key stakeholders.

Book suggestion: Never Split the Difference. Chris Voss (former Head of FBI hostage negotiation).

Explore the StrengthsFinder theme definitions

Full list and details of StrengthsFinder's 34 Strengths & Talents

'The power of talk: who gets heard and why’ by Deborah Tannen; from Harvard Business Review

'When women don't speak' by Brittany Karford Rogers; from BYU Magazine 

‘Women Find Your Voice’ by Kathryn Heath, Jill Flynn, and Mary Davis Holt; from Harvard Business Review

Book suggestion: 'Glass Wall' by Sue Underman and Kathryn Jacob

Book suggestion: Playing Big by Tara Mohr. About £5 on Kindle. Chapters:

1. The Inner Critic
2. Communicating with Power
3. Leaving Good Student Habits Behind

'How to take the lead in your career (nature.com)' A Nature article discussing leadership in science citing our own Kate Jennings!

Video recap: Kate takes you through a useful model discussed on the course: