Creating a new category to add my thoughts on management, leadership and teaching so I can document best practice and have a place to refer back to it in the future!
Today’s pointer is about the importance of being an open and welcoming senior member of staff. If you want (very) junior members of staff to be able to approach you and ask questions and get the most out of their jobs, as well as deal with any workplace issues you need to be approachable! This thought comes courtesy of the head of my department who took the trouble to learn my name on my first day and consistently uses it every time he sees me. He also makes the time to make small talk when we’re making a cup of tea at the same time. This means I’m not terrified to go and see him when someone suggests he’s the best person to talk to about a competency or if I have a particular scientific question.
I have also just presented my first journal club article and I feel like I failed at the first hurdle- I assumed everyone/most people/some people would have read the article I sent round a couple of days in advance. This was not the case! So in future I need to ensure I have a little précis to start off with.
"You're obviously not a scientist" 