Fast Forward Project Management for Scientists

Fast Forward teaches agile project management to researchers in a new way building on corporate learning approaches.

A usual project management workshop is a great way to get an overview of the principles of project management. It’s really after the workshop when the work starts when you have to implement what you learned and apply the principles to your own projects. In our experience this is where people struggle and the questions come up. This is why we designed Fast Forward as an implementation program, i.e. it does not only teach you the principles (just like in a 2-day workshop), but also guides you step-by-step through the implementation.

Start: Monday, Apr 25, 2022 with a live Kickoff (Zoom) from 10:00-11:30 CET (Berlin)

Duration: weekly Wednesday live Q&A sessions via Zoom @17:00-18:00 CET (Berlin) for 7 consecutive weeks (between April 26 and June 10); an alternative session may be offered on Thursday at the same time number of participants permitting (only one session per week needs to be attended)

Time required: approx. 3-4 hours each week (incl. live Q&A session) - time may vary slightly depending on the complexity of the project selected

Language: English

Certificate: Issued upon completion (requires attendance of at least 6 of the 7 live Q&A sessions and completion of weekly assignments)

Trainers: Dr. Nadine Sinclair

 

Objective:
Achieve amazing productivity and reduce your stress levels in 7 weeks by implementing the productivity secrets that allows management consultants and high-performing industry teams to generate results quickly.

Description:
Many researchers find the stress of academia challenging. After all, researchers tend to taste failure more often than success in their day-to-day experiments. Constantly thinking about your research (especially outside of working hours), the pressure to publish and the uncertainty about the next position are likely some of the factors that make researchers more prone to mental health conditions than other professional groups. The 2019 Wellcome Trust Mental Health Survey revealed that one in two researchers have had or are currently seeking professional help for mental health challenges.
Therefore, it is crucial to equip researchers with the skills to build personal resilience to deal with stress and setbacks constructively. Different from what many people believe, resilience is a skill that anyone can learn. This workshop provides the tools and techniques that will teach you sustainable, resilience-building habits.
Past participants report significant increases in their resilience scores (from lowest to the third quartile), higher energy levels (86%) and motivation (86%), improved ability to deal with setbacks (95%) and resolving conflicts (91%). Interviews with past participants are available here: https://bit.ly/3uDAUJD

Trainer Bios:
Dr. Nadine Sinclair is a trusted advisor to corporate and academic leaders and one of the Managing Directors of Mind Matters. Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, she was a project manager with McKinsey & Company. A scientist by training and at heart, she conducted her doctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry. In her work as a neuroleadership expert, she uses her scientific mind to bridge the gap between science and business practices using the latest insights from neuroscience and behavioural economics to create breakthroughs for her clients.
Paul Sinclair is one of the Managing Directors of Mind Matters. He is passionate about helping high-achievers transform their resilience, emotional intelligence and leadership style to become more authentic leaders of themselves and others. He has trained with Gabor Maté – one of the most renowned and sought after experts in trauma therapy, addiction and the link between emotional stress and physical illness. Building on his past experiences as a top athlete, member of an elite military unit, recovering addict, and successful entrepreneur, he knows what it takes to change your brain and transform ingrained patterns of thought, feelings and behaviour.

Format:
• Weekly 2-hour live workshops via Zoom video conference hosted by two experienced mental health facilitators, including interactive breakout sessions with your peers
• Self-study workbooks with evidence-based resilience boosting strategies with actionable feedback on weekly course assignments on a dedicated private community platform
• Private community that allows you to interact with peers and exchange additional resources
• On-demand resource area with workshop recordings, workbooks and additional resources
• Personal Resilience Indicator (PRI) diagnostic with a personalized report at the beginning and end of the training

Prerequisites:
This training is for you if you can attend all nine live workshops, are willing to explore what’s driving your mental health with a curious and open mind, are ready to roll up your sleeves to work with the tools and techniques and willing to engage/interact with the trainers and your peers on these topics.
This training is not for you if you are just looking for information on resilience, cannot take the time to attend the workshops and implement the techniques, or are unwilling to discuss topics around mental health openly and submit the weekly assignments in the private community.
Please note that this is a training and not a substitute for treatment by a mental health professional.