What do you do if your laboratory management skills need to be adaptable in your role?

1 Assess the situation

Before you react to any change, take some time to assess the situation and understand the reasons, impacts, and goals behind it. Ask yourself what is the problem, what are the possible solutions, and what are the risks and benefits of each option. Gather relevant information and data, and consult with your team, colleagues, and stakeholders. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary conflicts or errors.

2 Communicate clearly

Communication is key to managing change and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. As a laboratory manager, you need to communicate clearly and consistently with your team, supervisors, and clients about the changes and how they affect your work. Explain the rationale, objectives, and expectations of the change, and provide feedback and support to your team members. Listen to their concerns, questions, and suggestions, and address them promptly and respectfully. Use different channels and formats to communicate, such as emails, meetings, reports, or presentations.

3 Be flexible

Flexibility is the ability to adjust your plans, methods, or behaviors to suit different situations or needs. As a laboratory manager, you need to be flexible and willing to try new approaches, learn new skills, or adopt new technologies. For example, you may need to modify your protocols, workflows, or schedules to accommodate new projects, regulations, or equipment. You may also need to delegate tasks, collaborate with other departments, or outsource some services. Flexibility allows you to cope with uncertainty, overcome obstacles, and seize opportunities.

4 Involve your team

Your team is your most valuable asset, and you need to involve them in the change process. As a laboratory manager, you need to empower your team members to contribute their ideas, skills, and feedback to the change. Encourage them to participate in planning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Recognize their efforts, achievements, and challenges, and reward them accordingly. Provide them with training, coaching, and mentoring to help them develop their capabilities and confidence. Build trust, respect, and cooperation among your team members.

5 Evaluate and improve

Change is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires constant evaluation and improvement. As a laboratory manager, you need to monitor the outcomes and impacts of the change, and measure them against the predefined criteria and indicators. Collect and analyze data, feedback, and observations, and identify what works and what doesn't. Learn from your successes and failures, and make adjustments as needed. Share your findings and lessons with your team, colleagues, and stakeholders, and seek their input for further improvement.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?