On December 11, 2024, the first session of FERO TRAINING took place, an initiative of FERO ACADEMY focused on leadership and communication, at the facilities of EDEM Escuela de Empresarios.
FERO Training Sessions are designed to enhance the professional and leadership skills of our research community, preparing them to respond to the current challenges of scientific research.
For this first edition, 16 “feritos” were able to attend, and we had three excellent trainers from EDEM.
Leadership: The Engine of Change in Teams
The first part of the day was led by experts Reme Egea and Sara Pareja, focusing on the key principles of leadership that transform both teams and results.
Reme helps executives, managers, and middle management develop their leadership and get the most out of their work teams, and Sara is dedicated to mediation, executive coaching, selection, and training.
We learned that leadership is a key factor in the success of any team or organization. However, it is often confused with hierarchical power or the ability to give orders. In reality, effective leadership is based on influence, connection with people, and the ability to generate commitment.
According to a Gallup study, only 36% of employees feel truly engaged with their work, while 50% are not engaged and 14% are actively disengaged. This demonstrates that one of a leader’s main responsibilities is to foster an environment in which people feel valued and motivated.
Keys to Effective Leadership
To improve team management and enhance leadership, it is essential to focus on three fundamental aspects:
- Influence and Connection
An effective leader does not simply supervise tasks but establishes a relationship of trust with their team. To achieve this, it is essential to:
- Be present and available for the team.
- Listen actively and encourage dialogue.
- Show respect and recognition for each person’s work.
Leadership based on closeness and trust allows building solid and committed teams, where each member feels that their work is valuable.
- Generating Commitment and Sense of Belonging
Motivation in the workplace depends not only on external factors such as salary or benefits but also on the emotional connection with the organization’s purpose. To achieve this, leaders can:
- Define clear objectives aligned with the team’s values.
- Foster a collaborative and participatory environment.
- Provide recognition and constant feedback.
Recognition is a powerful tool that helps reinforce positive behaviors and maintain a high level of commitment within the team.
- Self-Criticism and Adaptation
Leadership is not static; it requires constant evolution. A good leader must be willing to evaluate their own performance and make adjustments when necessary. To do this, it is advisable to:
- Request feedback from the team on leadership style.
- Reflect on strengths and areas for improvement.
- Be open to learning and new ways of managing.
Continuous improvement not only strengthens the leader but also inspires the team to continue growing and developing.
Toward Real Influence
Effective leadership is not about holding a position but about positively influencing people and guiding them toward common goals. Connection with the team, commitment, and self-criticism are key to building a solid and productive work culture.
During the session, both the research team and FERO team members gained practical tools for daily use, such as one-to-one meetings with each laboratory member. These meetings build trust, allow for constructive feedback, and demonstrate recognition.
High-Impact Communication in Research
After a team lunch that allowed everyone to relax and take a break, we continued with training from
Maribel Vilaplana Vilaplana
, consultant and trainer in high-impact communication.
In the field of oncology research, it is not enough to develop innovative projects; communicating with clarity and persuasion is essential to capture the interest of funders and collaborators.
The ability to convey ideas effectively can make the difference between obtaining support or losing key opportunities.
Many researchers face difficulties when presenting their projects that can prevent their message from being effectively delivered:
- The use of excessive technical language.
- Lack of structure in the discourse.
- Stage fright.
The key is to
adapt the message to the audience
, highlighting the relevance and impact of the scientific work.
At FERO, we work to bring society closer to the importance of something intangible like science and to make visible the tireless work of researchers and physicians who seek to understand the biology of cancer to treat it better.
Public speaking is an indispensable tool. Using techniques such as
- storytelling
- eye contact
- voice modulation
not only reinforces credibility but also creates an emotional connection with the audience.
Studies show that the most memorable presentations combine solid data with an inspiring message.
Key Strategies for an Effective Presentation
To achieve high-impact communication, it is recommended to:
- Know the audience and their expectations.
- Structure the message clearly and concisely.
- Use visual resources as support, without letting them dominate the presentation.
- Practice and request feedback to improve confidence and fluency.
Research shows that the first 7 seconds are decisive in the audience’s perception.
Factors such as posture, tone of voice, and facial expression influence the receptivity of the message.
The
active listening
is also fundamental: generating a dialogue rather than a monologue allows for greater connection and trust.
Effective communication is not a luxury but a necessity in the world of research. Mastering the art of speaking with impact can open doors, secure funding, and consolidate the researcher’s reputation.
Driving Leadership in Research
At FERO, we remain committed to advancing the careers of our researchers beyond their laboratories, building the leaders who will transform our vision of cancer and the world.
Our “feritos” returned home with assignments to better communicate what they do and why they dedicate so many hours to their passion: researching for a future without cancer.
