In this episode, we join Daniel Kearns, Head Biomedical Scientist, to discuss how he keeps people at the centre of his management and leadership. Daniel reflects on the softer skills he has learnt from leading people, how he has created a cohesive and effective team, and how he builds positive and genuine relationships with his staff.
3 Quotes to lead by...
1. FOCUS ON THE SOFTER SKILLS
‘Try to focus on the softer skills. The empathy, the approachability. If people are having problems, they want to be listened to and heard and helped, rather than just thrown policies and procedures and told what they should do.’
Q. What soft skills do you have, and are you using them effectively in your leadership?
2. KEEP PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE
‘You have to really try hard to keep the people at the centre of management if you want to be successful, in my opinion. It’s about really getting to know somebody, not seeing a person as an employee or as a colleague but actually taking the time to get a vested interest in that person.’
Q. How well do you know your team members? What could you do to get to know your staff better?
3. WE CAN ALL MAKE TIME
‘I think using the excuse that there isn’t enough time is not really an answer and we can all make time if we try. For important things, I think it’s really important that we do make that time for staff because you’ll reap rewards in the end by having those genuine relationships with people.’
Q. Are you making time for your team to ensure they feel supported?
External Resources
7 soft skills that are crucial for great leadership
More Than Small Talk: The Importance of Getting to Know Your Employees
How To Make Time For Your Employees?
