Influence and leadership
- Vitae RDF 2010 D1.6
- Vitae RDF 2025 5.3
The importance of influence and leadership in research
In the dynamic world of research, influence and leadership are pivotal to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and achieving meaningful impact.
These qualities are not confined to formal titles or hierarchical positions but are defined by the ability to inspire, guide, and make a difference through knowledge, actions, and integrity.
Why influence and leadership matter in research
Advancing research goals
Effective leadership helps shape the strategic direction of projects, aligning efforts with institutional missions, funder priorities, and societal needs.
Fostering collaboration
Leadership and influence create an environment where diverse teams can work together productively, bringing out the best in their collective talents.
Building trust and respect
Influence arises not just from authority but from credibility, expertise, and a consistent commitment to core values, earning the respect of colleagues, collaborators, and stakeholders.
Driving innovation
By setting an inspiring vision and encouraging creative problem-solving, research leaders empower teams to push the boundaries of knowledge.
Empowering others
Strong leaders mentor and support their peers and junior researchers, nurturing the next generation of thought leaders in their field.
Developing your influence in research
Influence is less about power and more about impact. Here’s how you can build and extend your influence as a researcher:
Earn respect through excellence
Strive for rigour, integrity, and innovation in your work. Success in research outputs—publications, grants, or impactful collaborations—often enhances your ability to influence others.
Build meaningful relationships
Cultivate connections across disciplines and sectors. Effective influence often stems from mutual respect and understanding within professional networks.
Communicate effectively
Share your research clearly and persuasively with a wide range of audiences, from peers to policymakers. Your ability to influence will grow as more people understand and value your work.
Advocate for your field
Use your platform to champion the importance of research, its societal impact, and the need for investment and support.
Becoming a leader in research
Leadership in research extends beyond managing teams; it’s about inspiring and guiding others to achieve shared goals. Key steps to developing leadership skills include:
Identify and act on your values
Authentic leadership stems from understanding your core values and aligning your actions with them. When you lead with integrity and purpose, others are more likely to follow.
Set a clear vision
Establish a strategic direction for your work, informed by institutional priorities and broader research agendas. Involve your team in shaping this vision to foster shared ownership.
Cultivate decision-making skills
Lead effectively in meetings and discussions by being well-prepared, facilitating focused dialogue, and driving consensus on actionable outcomes.
Be adaptable and resilient
Research is inherently unpredictable, requiring leaders to navigate challenges with flexibility, composure, and problem-solving acumen.
Invest in team development
Recognise the strengths of your team members, delegate responsibilities, and provide opportunities for them to grow and lead.
Opportunities to lead and influence
- Within your research group – take initiative in organising projects, mentoring colleagues, or leading lab meetings.
- Across your institution – engage in institutional committees, help shape policies, or act as a departmental representative.
- Externally – build your influence through collaboration with international teams, contributing to public discussions about research, or participating in policy development.
Influence and leadership in action
- Inspire performance: Set high standards and provide the tools, encouragement, and motivation for others to achieve them.
- Promote inclusion: Recognise and leverage the diversity within your team to foster innovative ideas and equitable practices.
- Lead by example: Demonstrate the behaviours you wish to see in others, whether it’s commitment to deadlines, respect for colleagues, or enthusiasm for tackling challenges.
Final takeaways
In research, leadership and influence are not optional; they are essential for success in an increasingly collaborative and competitive landscape. By cultivating these skills, researchers can drive innovation, empower their peers, and leave a lasting impact on their fields.
Start by identifying opportunities to lead and influence in your current role. As you develop these skills, you’ll not only enhance your own career but also contribute to the advancement of the research community as a whole.