Welp MagazineManaging a workplace like an average office is difficult enough on its own but managing a lab where delicate work takes place is on another level entirely. If you’ve found yourself in this position, you have a tough challenge ahead of you. However, with a little preparation and the ability to adapt on the fly, you’ll find success in the long run. We’ll give you a few tips for managing a scientific laboratory that will help you and your team reach their goals with the least number of roadblocks.
Remember the Bigger Picture
It’s your job as the manager to keep your eyes focused on the horizon. Your employees each have their specific jobs, but you need to be on top and steering the ship in the right direction. While it’s important to remember the little things like filing the right paperwork and protecting the lab’s equipment, you can’t lose sight of the lab’s overall goal. The rest of the staff will look to you to divert their energies where they’re needed most to achieve the big picture plan.
Tailor Your Management Style To Each Employee
Every employee you deal with is going to want to do things their own way; they may even have to do it their way in order to do their job correctly. You won’t get by with a “one-size-fits-all” approach to managing your lab workers. It’s crucial that you speak with the different branches that make up your lab and find out how you can make their jobs easier.
Listen Closely To Staff Member’s Issues
The issues that lab workers face aren’t quite as simple as the ones that an office worker might face. You could find yourself buried in an issue that goes over your head or that you don’t fully understand. Pay close attention to the needs of your workers. They wouldn’t bring an issue to your attention if it wasn’t important for getting their work done, so take the time to hear them out and fully comprehend what they need before you act on anything.
Clearly Lay Out Your Expectations
You’ll be the one leading the lab to success, but everyone else will need to know what success actually looks like. One of the best tips for managing a scientific laboratory is to clearly define what you expect from each person. The more clearly you can lay out your expectations, the less confusion there will be when it comes time to make decisions that affect the lab as a whole.
