• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Manufacturing
    • Packaging
    • Development
    • Compliance
    • Top 25
    • Directory
    • Microsites
    • Events
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Manufacturing
  • Packaging
  • Development
  • Compliance
  • Top 25
  • Directory
  • Microsites
  • Events
  • Current / Back Issue
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    DCAT Week ’19

    Temperature-Controlled Logistics

    Reducing Pill Burden

    Nasal Drug Delivery

    AI in Pharma: Transforming Data into Drugs
    Breaking News
    Online Exclusives
    Industry News
    Collaborations & Alliances
    Promotions & Moves
    Trials & Filings
    Financial Reports
    Bio News & Views
    Custom Sourcing News
    Packaging & Tracking
    CRO News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    BASi Appoints COO

    Nestlé Health Licenses Codexis’ CDX-6114

    SK, Arvelle Sign $530M Deal for Antiepileptic Drug

    GS1 Delivers Lightweight Messaging Standard For Verification of Product Identifiers

    Progenics Launches Mfg. Ops in NJ
    APIs
    Aseptic Processing
    Cleaning Validation
    Clinical Trial Materials
    Cytotoxics and High Potency Manufacturing
    Equipment
    Excipients
    Extractables and Leachables
    Facilities
    Fill/Finish
    Lyophilization
    Parenterals
    Process Development
    Process Validation
    Risk Management
    Scale-up/ Technology Transfer
    Solid Dosage/ Creams/ Ointments

    Progenics Launches Mfg. Ops in NJ

    Pelican BioThermal Opens New Network Location

    Reed-Lane Facility Tour

    Haselmeier Acquires Drug Manufacturing License

    Emerald Health, Lonza Enter Large-Scale Mfg. Pact
    Capsules
    Cold Chain Management
    Injectables
    Logistics
    Serialization
    Solid Dosage / Semi-solids
    Supply Chain
    Vials

    GS1 Delivers Lightweight Messaging Standard For Verification of Product Identifiers

    Pelican BioThermal Opens New Network Location

    Reed-Lane Facility Tour

    Recipharm Facilities Ready for EU Serialization

    Andrew Alliance, Sartorius Launch Research Solution
    Analytical Services
    Bioanalytical Services
    Bioassay Developement
    Biologics, Proteins, Vaccines
    Biosimilars
    Chemistry
    Clinical Trials
    Drug Delivery
    Drug Development
    Drug Discovery
    Formulation Development
    Information Technology
    Laboratory Testing
    Methods Development
    Microbiology
    Preclinical Outsourcing
    R&D
    Toxicology

    Nestlé Health Licenses Codexis’ CDX-6114

    Personalized Medicine: Getting More Out of Clinical Trials

    SK, Arvelle Sign $530M Deal for Antiepileptic Drug

    Charles River to Pay $510M for Citoxlab

    West, Swissfillon Enter Drug Delivery Partnership
    Filtration & Purification
    GMPs/GCPs
    Inspections
    QA/QC
    Regulatory Affairs
    Validation

    Former FDA Senior Executives Join PAREXEL

    Top Global Pharma Company to Implement ValGenesis' VLMS

    WCG, Prudentia Enter Pharmacovigilance Alliance

    ValGenesis VLMS Chosen to Digitize Validation Process

    Serialization Compliance: Understanding the Challenges
    Companies
    Categories
    Corporate Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Contract Service Directory Companies
    Aphena Pharma Solutions, Inc.

    Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services

    Alcami

    Vetter Pharma International GmbH

    Ascendia Pharmaceuticals
    Companies
    News Releases
    Posters
    Brochures
    Services
    Videos
    Case Study
    White Papers
    Jobs
    Contract Service Directory Companies
    Jubilant HollisterStier Contract Manufacturing & Services

    Ascendia Pharmaceuticals

    Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services

    Vetter Pharma International GmbH

    Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.
    Webinars
    Live From Shows
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
      • Enewsletter Archive
      • Digital Edition
    • Directory
      • Companies
      • Categories
      • Corporate Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Manufacturing
      • APIs
      • Aseptic Processing
      • Cleaning Validation
      • Clinical Trial Materials
      • Cytotoxics and High Potency Manufacturing
      • Equipment
      • Excipients
      • Extractables and Leachables
      • Facilities
      • Fill/Finish
      • Lyophilization
      • Parenterals
      • Process Development
      • Process Validation
      • Risk Management
      • Scale-up/ Technology Transfer
      • Solid Dosage/ Creams/ Ointments
      • cGMP Manufacture
    • Packaging
      • Capsules
      • Cold Chain Management
      • Injectables
      • Logistics
      • Serialization
      • Solid Dosage / Semi-solids
      • Supply Chain
      • Vials
    • Development
      • Analytical Services
      • Bioanalytical Services
      • Bioassay Developement
      • Biologics, Proteins, Vaccines
      • Biosimilars
      • Chemistry
      • Clinical Trials
      • Drug Delivery
      • Drug Development
      • Drug Discovery
      • Formulation Development
      • Information Technology
      • Laboratory Testing
      • Methods Development
      • Microbiology
      • Preclinical Outsourcing
      • R&D
      • Toxicology
    • Compliance
      • Filtration & Purification
      • GMPs/GCPs
      • Inspections
      • QA/QC
      • Regulatory Affairs
      • Validation
    • Top 25 Pharma & BioPharma
      • Top 20 Pharma & BioPharma
      • Top 10 BioPharma Companies
    • Contract Pharma Direct
    • Breaking News
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Surveys
      • Outsourcing Survey
      • Salary Survey
    • Glossary
    • Videos
    • White Papers
    • Infographics
    • Contract Pharma Conference
      • Contract Pharma Conference
      • Speakers
      • Exhibitors
      • Agenda
      • Conference Sessions
    • Supplier Microsite
      • Companies
      • News Releases
      • Posters
      • Brochures
      • Services
      • Videos
      • Case Study
      • White Papers
    • eBook
    • Webinars
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Classifieds / Job Bank
      • Classifieds
      • Job Bank
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Managing Your Career

    Finding Your “Inner Leader”

    Leadership is a lifelong journey. What type of leader are you?

    Related CONTENT
    • Biogenerics Progress
    • Kura Oncology Appoints COO, Clinical Development VPs
    • 09 Gilead Sciences
    • Almac Clinical Technologies Launches Podcast
    • Abdi Ibrahim Selects rfxcel for FMD Compliance
    Ryan Raver, PhD Contributing Editor11.14.18
    Douglas McArthur once said, “Leadership is action, not position.” Leaders inspire, influence, and instill in others the motivation, enthusiasm and the drive to achieve and be successful. As a leader takes his or her team into the unknown, he or she must have the confidence, courage, and compassion to be an effective leader.

    When we think of traditional leaders, we may think of management or the power and control that goes with it. However, good leadership can be exhibited regardless of whether you are a CEO with 40 years of experience, a mid-level lab manager, or a PhD bench scientist with only a year or two of experience.

    What makes a good leader?
    When a leader fully understands his or her purpose and role, and how this fits into the overall mission and vision of the company, this creates true value for his or her employer and an impact across the entire organization.

    His or her goal is to breed confidence and contagiously spread inspiration throughout the team and organization, as great leaders coach, teach, and mentor their team. The leader drives team members to accomplish their own personal goals and reach new heights, accelerating the team and company forward.

    In the fast-paced biopharma world, personal growth and success depends on decisive action. Leaders must remain open to adaptive change, be able to make important decisions, and yet always be held accountable. A good leader is not afraid to admit when they don’t know all the answers. A leader is hungry to become a credible expert in their field and continuously acquire knowledge. He or she is also an effective problem solver and positive motivator.

    Above all, good leaders know how to listen, and they do so in a selfless, humble manner. A ‘know it all’ leader will be counterproductive for any team and will only hurt team morale.

    What type of leader are you?
    When it comes to leadership style, one size certainly does not fit all. The style must be appropriate to the person or task(s) at hand. An effective leader should adapt their style to a team member’s strengths or experience, and apply a unique combination of styles. Knowing how to “read” others will depend on high emotional intelligence and good listening skills. 
    According to Dr. Daniel Goleman in his Harvard Business Review article titled, “Leadership that Gets Results,” there are common styles of workplace leadership based on his data from more than 3,000 executives. Following are Goleman’s six types of leaders, with my interpretation for our industry.

    The Visionary – “Come with Me”
    A visionary leader is motivated by guiding a vision, and he or she knows how to use this to inspire. This type of leader provides clarity on the shared vision, and allows team members to find the best way to get there. Having a strong sense of the leader’s vision allows the team members to manage change easier and with less stress; changes are executed because of a commitment of the members within the group. Sometimes a visionary leader will charge forward and yet have trouble with some in the team because they have more experience in the organization than the leader.

    The Affiliate – “People Come First”
    An affiliative leader is driven by building teams to make sure followers, teammates, and departments all feel connected—he or she is often a master at building relationships and bringing people together. He promotes unity and collaboration among followers, and is driven to solve conflicts that present themselves. While followers typically receive praise from this style of leader, poor performance may often go unchecked. 

    The Coach – “Try This”
    The coaching or mentoring style of leadership aims to develop people for the future, specifically to help an employee improve performance or develop strengths, with a long term focus on impact and value creation. A coach typically has high emotional intelligence, is empathetic, and is ideal for those who are early in their career. However, the downside of being a coach long-term is that it can lead to micromanagement.

    The Democrat – “What do you think?”
    The democratic leader creates consensus through participation and collaboration. The goal is to gain buy-in, while gathering valuable input from team members to leverage their expertise to help shape or drive decisions, giving them a ‘voice’ in the process. However, it can have the effect of slowing down projects, decision making, or overall progress.

    The Commander – “Do what I tell you”
    The commander demands immediate compliance when it comes to her instructions. He or she tends to be competitive, driven, and assertive. He enjoys blazing new trails, and making high impact decisions. This is typically seen during a crisis stage, such as with a pressing business issue or problem employee, where a quick turnaround is needed and immediate action is required to course-correct. But the negative side of this type of leadership is it can result in seeming cold or distant, and may fall short when it comes to team buy-in.

    The Pacesetter – “Do as I do, now”
    The pacesetting leader sets very high performance standards and exemplifies them. This style of leadership is all about doing things better and faster, and having everyone on the same page. The goal is to get quick results from a highly motivated, competent, and independent team. But this can also be a negative style of leadership as it may make team members feel is if they are falling short, and can result in fatigue or burn out.

    Develop the “Inner Leader” in you
    As Goleman describes, leadership styles are adaptable and unique to your situation, but incorporating them means that you have to know yourself well. It may be time for some self-discovery and assessment. The best leaders are the best learners as a good leadership development plan requires you to have a solid grasp on where you are now.

    Acknowledge and build your unique inner strengths: A good leader is a continuous, lifelong learner. He or she recognizes and understands inner strengths, current limitations, and is aware of what it takes to further develop and grow. If you are not already self-aware of your strengths and weaknesses, a feedback process (such as a 360 degree feedback) may help these come to light.

    Map out traits and actionable items to become a better leader: Think of ways that you are evolving as a leader in your current role. Did you train your team on how to use a new system or application? Maybe it was a new lab bench skill, experiment, or assay that you pioneered and passed onto others? If so, make a list of these behaviors and try to come up with creative ways that will further develop them.

    It’s useful to think of someone who is a leader, someone you admire, and examine their leadership traits. Your professional development plan should include these as actionable items. Lastly, a mentor, ideally outside your organization, will help coach you through your career and provide a ‘reality check’ of where you can improve.

    Recognize your mistakes or failures, and learn from them: They are actually an essential part of becoming a greater leader. Your journey here begins with being able to reflect on the feedback you get from others on those mistakes, as well as your own critical review, and then adopting new ways of thinking from these valuable lessons.

    Embrace and learn to overcome your fears: Make a list of challenges that have been weighing you down. Don’t be afraid to confront issues or step out of your comfort zone. You are not on your own, so reach out to your network for guidance and support. If you give in every time, you won’t advance and the fears that you face today will continue tomorrow. Focus your energies on developing new, healthy leadership habits founded on courage.

    Be proactive about the change you want to see: In many ways, we have to be the CEO of our own careers. An “Intrapreneur” is an employee of an organization who acts and thinks like an entrepreneur, and these are highly regarded staff in many organizations. Put yourself in your manager’s shoes and ask- what can we do better, and what questions haven’t we addressed already for our customers? Look for ways where you can get “small wins,” which will build over time and gain some needed visibility.

    Build on your expertise and credibility: Be a leader who is curious, enthusiastic, and passionate. In the world of science, there is something new to learn every day. As you become more of an expert in your field, credibility will follow along with team buy-in and trust.

    The shift from growing your career to growing others
    Jack Welch in his book, Winning, hits the nail on the head. He says, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
    Developing yourself and others into leaders is a process. Don’t rush it; you will see that once you have the motivation to grow, coupled with execution, it becomes a natural part of your life as a leader.

    Your leadership development list does not have to be exhaustive, as there is no perfect leader. As you go down your career path, be patient in the journey of becoming a better leader and giving back to others. The time invested will pay huge career dividends.


    Ryan Raver, PhD
    Contributing Editor

    Ryan Raver is Managing Director working with CTI Executive Search. (www.CareerTrax.com)
    Related Searches
    • Development
    • collaboration
    • discovery
    • it
    Suggested For You
    Celgene, Dragonfly Expand Immunotherapy Alliance Celgene, Dragonfly Expand Immunotherapy Alliance
    Pii Appoints VP Business Development Pii Appoints VP Business Development
    AptarGroup Appoints CHRO AptarGroup Appoints CHRO
    Cambrex to Establish API CoE Cambrex to Establish API CoE
    Almirall Acquires Allergan Dermatology Products for $550M Almirall Acquires Allergan Dermatology Products for $550M
    Recipharm Receives EMVO Approval Recipharm Receives EMVO Approval
    Romaco Appoints Managing Director Romaco Appoints Managing Director
    Survival Guide to Managing a Tough Boss Survival Guide to Managing a Tough Boss
    HPAPI Outsourcing Likely to Gain Traction HPAPI Outsourcing Likely to Gain Traction
    Rexahn, Merck Partner for Cancer Rexahn, Merck Partner for Cancer
    Abdi Ibrahim Selects rfxcel for FMD Compliance Abdi Ibrahim Selects rfxcel for FMD Compliance
    Almac Clinical Technologies Launches Podcast Almac Clinical Technologies Launches Podcast
    09	Gilead Sciences 09 Gilead Sciences
    Kura Oncology Appoints COO, Clinical Development VPs Kura Oncology Appoints COO, Clinical Development VPs
    Biogenerics Progress Biogenerics Progress

    Related Managing Your Career

    • Do You Have Weaknesses? Of Course I Do!

      Do You Have Weaknesses? Of Course I Do!

      It is important to self-analyze your strengths AND weaknesses when preparing for an interview
      David G. Jensen , Contributing Editor 01.25.19

    • Limited by Labels

      Limited by Labels

      How others see you has a lot to do with the brand you’ve built
      David G. Jensen, Contributing Editor 10.10.18

    • Survival Guide to Managing a Tough Boss

      Survival Guide to Managing a Tough Boss

      Here are some practical steps one can implement to make it through the difficulties caused by a bad boss.
      Ryan Raver, PhD, Contributing Editor 09.11.18


    • Interview Success Depends Upon Your Preparation

      Interview Success Depends Upon Your Preparation

      Some tips on bringing your pre-interview stress levels way down
      David G. Jensen, Contributing Editor 07.20.18

    • Decoding Company Culture:  The Key to a Long Term Fit

      Decoding Company Culture: The Key to a Long Term Fit

      Having shared and aligned values is critical to success in the workplace.
      Ryan Raver, PhD w/David G. Jensen 06.12.18

    • Core Traits to Take You the Distance

      Core Traits to Take You the Distance

      Six attributes recruiters and hiring managers look for in a candidate.
      David G. Jensen, Contributing Editor 05.08.18


    • Leaving your Employer the ‘Right Way’

      Leaving your Employer the ‘Right Way’

      A look at the importance of finishing strong and going out on good terms
      Ryan Raver and David G. Jensen, Contributing Editors 04.10.18

    • Keep the Home Fires Burning

      Keep the Home Fires Burning

      Work/life balance is a topic more and more companies are addressing.
      David G. Jensen, Contributing Editor 03.09.18

    • Considering a Career Move?

      Considering a Career Move?

      Here are some key questions to ponder if you’re thinking about changing jobs.
      David G. Jensen, Contributing Editor 01.30.18


    • Credibility Counts in  Early HR Encounters

      Credibility Counts in Early HR Encounters

      Sincerity goes a long way in making the right impression
      David G. Jensen, Contributing Editor 11.07.17

    • Optimize Your Believability When Delivering Your Message

      Optimize Your Believability When Delivering Your Message

      Defining your potential for a prospective new employer
      David G. Jensen, Contributing Editor 10.11.17

    • The Powers of Persuasion

      The Powers of Persuasion

      Why do technical employees have difficulty being persuasive?
      David G. Jensen, Contributing Editor 09.06.17

    • Entering the Cold Call Zone

      Entering the Cold Call Zone

      Networking’s far side is not for the faint of heart
      David G. Jensen, Contributing Editor 07.18.17

    • Validating Your Decision to Hire

      A reference check process you can live with
      David G. Jensen, Contributing Editor 06.06.17

    • The Incredible Power of Good Communication Skills

      The Incredible Power of Good Communication Skills

      For most of us, developing the essential communication skills to nail the job interview takes work
      David G. Jensen, Contributing Editor 05.09.17

    Breaking News
    • BASi Appoints COO
    • Nestlé Health Licenses Codexis’ CDX-6114
    • SK, Arvelle Sign $530M Deal for Antiepileptic Drug
    • GS1 Delivers Lightweight Messaging Standard For Verification of Product Identifiers
    • Progenics Launches Mfg. Ops in NJ
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    January/February 2019

    • DCAT Week ’19
    • Temperature-Controlled Logistics
    • Reducing Pill Burden
    • Nasal Drug Delivery
    • AI in Pharma: Transforming Data into Drugs
    • Digitization: Pharma 4.0
    • Serialization Compliance: Understanding the Challenges
    • FDA & Data Integrity
    • Rising Demand for Lyophilized Products
    • Future Trends in the CDMO Space
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • privacy policy
    • term and condition
    • about us
    • contact us

    follow us

    Subscribe

    magazines

    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image

    Copyright © 2019 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login