Many leaders in research environments didn’t start their careers planning to lead - they were driven by science, discovery, and expertise in their fields. But as they progressed, the role of leading people, managing budgets, and setting strategic directions came into view, and they decided to step up. Most times, there’s no formal playbook for that in academia. Yet suddenly, they’re the ones running the show.

Everyone’s good at something, but nobody’s good at everything. Some people are natural with people, others with numbers, and some can spot a typo in a grant proposal from a mile away. It’s unrealistic to expect mastery in every area.

A diverse team fills the gaps, but as a leader, a baseline understanding of everything is essential. Not to become an expert in every detail, but to make sound, informed decisions.

In business, people coming into leadership usually get a lot of practical training, so they walk in with a solid, rounded skill set. In research, that’s rare. And it’s a problem, because running a research or academic environment isn’t so different from running a company. Real stakes are involved - conflict resolution, strategic decisions, financial balancing acts. Without training, those stakes become harder to manage.

The good news? We have the internet, packed with resources on leadership. Yes, much of it is aimed at business, but so much of it applies to research, too.

Two challenges stand in the way. First, most researchers are already buried in work. Adding “leadership development” to the list feels overwhelming. Second, the sheer amount of advice online can be daunting. A search for “how to be a better leader” brings up thousands of opinions. Some of it’s junk, but there’s also plenty of real insight.

Here’s the takeaway: leadership skills are as crucial as scientific skills. Treat this as a chance to learn. Seek out voices that resonate, skip the rest, and invest in perspectives that align with your values.

And even if leadership isn’t on the radar right now, it’s worth a look. Learning these skills early builds a foundation for when the opportunity arises.

Research leadership needs a new playbook, one that values the skills beyond the science and recognizes the power of well-rounded, prepared leaders. Start building it now, and keep going.

-- João