The Einstein Factor in Leading Science Based Projects - Part 2

The Einstein Factor in Leading Science Based Projects - Part 2 By Martin Wartenberg and Victoria Tucker, November 2007 The impact of the differences requires that the leadership of the Science Project Team (whether pharmaceutical or medical device oriented) must take into account those emotional arguments which engage their fellow Einstein-like colleagues.

Engaging Fellow Einsteins - The Project Leadership Challenge In the majority of cases, scientists are introduced to leadership by being drafted into managing a single laboratory function. For example, a Senior Chemist may reluctantly take on the job of guiding a group of chemists in a laboratory.

The good news is that he or she will usually have the respect of the team based on proven subject matter expertise and results. The bad news is that many organizations typically fail to provide the resources needed to support the scientific project leader. The reality of managing and leading science based projects (and the Einsteins who comprise the project team) requires an aptitude not readily understood.

Frankly speaking, scientific project leads must be schooled in the following:

Cross-Functional Capability - Chemistry, Biology, Animal and Human Modeling, Fluid Dynamics, IT, Statisticians, Clinicians are just some of the intertwined functions Cross Company Alliances - As in Big Pharma meets Start up Biotech Inclusion of Contract Research Organizations (CRO’s) - Integral parts of the project are often outsourced Cross Cultural and Cross Country - Virtual research labs can be found in China, India and Neuchatel Heavy emphasis on meeting schedules, cost objectives and scientific objectives - Complex drug discovery or instrument prototyping requires more than sticky notes on the wall Key management involvement and visibility - Approval, sponsorship and guidance from the highest levels is paramount Obviously, the challenges are enough that an organization’s senior management team must recognize that parachuting someone without an applicable track record into a complex project is akin to the darn parachute not opening – in other words “the flop heard round the world”.

What makes for necessary leadership traits? The following are specific tips and suggestions for those finding themselves thrust into a high science or technology project leadership role:

5 Steps to Leading Successful Science Based Projects Step 1. Initiation Phase During the early discovery phase, it’s extremely important that the project leader develop a project charter that includes the following:

* Final outcomes sought * What is in scope and what is not * Assumptions for each member of the team * Constraints and limitations (time, money, resources, etc)

* Key stakeholders that must be involved * Reporting and escalation ground rules A charter document, even if only partially completed, is a reasonable start. With a mindset of inclusion and peer defaulting repartee, scientists can become involved early on in the project. They’re then more likely to champion the efforts throughout the project life.

Step 2. Planning Phase As the leader, recognize that fellow scientists might resist detailed planning with the following “How can you ask me to schedule a break through? We’ve never done this before; how should I know how long it will take?”

Leaders must provide boundaries on how long individuals will be allowed to pursue a discovery quest. If the researcher can’t come up with a pre-determined time frame, then obtain a range of probabilistic estimates based on similar research.

Other areas that are important to put down on paper include: initial assessments of the risks and uncertainties; resources that will be needed in terms of personnel, consultants, equipment, and facilities. Building a Work Breakdown Structure to at least the third level should not be too difficult a task and completing a Responsibility Assignment Matrix provides sufficient planning details to launch the initiative.

The last stumbling block faced during planning is how to determine the milestones and defining what completion actually means. If done poorly, it will come back to bite you in the behind during execution and monitoring. If the milestone is the completion of an experiment, then establish clarity about ultimate measurements. For example, the leader may determine that the results which achieve a 90% success rate are adequate for completion.

Einstein was a perfectionist, so are most scientists and technologists. Set reasonable parameters that meet veracity tests versus striving for absolute perfection. If you don’t, scientists will tend to try for that 100% proof which may not only be unreachable but also unnecessary.



The Einstein Factor in Leading Science Based Projects - Part 2 - To learn more about this author, visit Jeremy Tucker's Website.

Like this article? Share it with your friends

E-Mail | Print | More

Related Articles
The Einstein Factor in Leading Science Based Projects Part 1
	When asked if the people, practices and techniques required to lead science research projects are different from those in the general population, the answer is not just YES, but a resounding DUH!
The Einstein Factor in Leading Science Based Projects - Part 2
	When asked if the people, practices and techniques required to lead science research projects are different from those in the general population, the answer is not just YES, but a resounding DUH!
Getting Rich Is An Exact Science
	People who do things in this certain way whether they do it consciously or unconsciously get rich. In science in order for a theory to be proven correct and accepted as fact it must always produce like results from ...
The Einstein Factor in Leading Science Based Projects - Part 4
	When asked if the people, practices and techniques required to lead science research projects are different from those in the general population, the answer is not just YES, but a resounding DUH!
Cheeky Rebelliousness
	Walter Isaacson, on Albert Einstein, from his new book, Einstein: His Life and Universe: "His slow development was combined with a cheeky rebelliousness toward authority, which led one schoolmaster to send him packi...

---

Related Forum Posts
	Book Review: The Jackrabbit Factor -- Why You Can
	Profile Julie Aigner-Clark, Founder of Baby Einstein
	Delegating to Help A Home Business Run Smoother
	Julie Aigner-Clark Profile
	Patent information
	Elevator Pitch in 10 Words
	Patent Process
	Book: 101 Best Home Based Businesses for Women