This workshop will take place in person beginning at 9am on August 6.
September 18, 2026 – The Anatomy of Trust – Kristin Sosnowsky
Trust is at the heart of leadership; you cannot lead those who do not trust you. Covey says we move at the speed of trust—when trust is high, people give you the benefit of the doubt, they find your meaning, they are willing to take a chance. When trust is low, they challenge you every step of the way, they misinterpret you, they assume the worst. It’s our job as leaders to build and cultivate trust—both interpersonally and also among and between the team.
Post-session Reflection Activity: Write down one small step you’re willing to take this semester to delegate and trust more intentionally in your research group or lab.
October 16, 2026 – The Secret to Great Feedback – Jane Cassidy
Giving feedback to other faculty or staff in a way that is both direct and respectful is challenging—even for seasoned leaders—especially when the conversation is difficult. Most of us figure it out the hard way by fumbling, softening what we meant to say, or confusing the message. In the long run, avoiding or mishandling these moments can delay a staff member’s professional growth or a faculty member’s promotion and tenure, which can, in turn, impact the research team, unit, and university as a whole. In this training, we’ll explore how to navigate difficult conversations and provide feedback that is timely, constructive, and meaningful. You’ll learn and practice using a simple, yet effective, four-step method to engage in these conversations in a way that feels both collaborative and impactful.
Post-session Reflection Activity: During our training, you were asked to identify someone to whom you wanted to give feedback and you had the opportunity to practice using a formula to help you deliver that feedback. Find a partner and discuss: • Have you delivered the feedback using the formula? • How did it go? • What did you learn that might impact the way you give feedback to someone else the next time?
December 4, 2026 – Skillfully Resolving Conflict – Lori Martin
In this session, we explore a counterintuitive but essential truth about conflict: the goal isn’t to eliminate it. As the authors of Getting to Yes argue, the best outcomes emerge not from surface-level agreement, but from genuinely wrestling with different perspectives. The real challenge is transforming how we engage with conflict, shifting from adversarial battling to hard-headed, side-by-side problem solving. We’ll share a practical model for understanding and engaging in difficult conversations and role play real-life scenarios that scholar leaders face regularly. (no meeting in November)
January 15, 2027 – Boundary-Setting for Work/Life Integration – Jane Cassidy
Work-life integration is key to faculty well-being. Yet, many post-tenure faculty are disheartened to find that aligning their ways of working with their personal values can be difficult as they advance in their career. And for some, that misalignment is a deterrent to moving into leadership. In this meeting, you’ll explore how an outcome-driven approach to prioritization and boundary-setting can help you create room on your calendar for the work that matters and enhance work-life integration.
Post Session Reflection Activity: Between now and our next session, challenge yourself to say “no” at least 10 times—whether to a request, an invitation, or an extra responsibility that doesn’t align with your priorities.
February 19, 2027 – Adaptive Leadership (LSU) – Lori Martin
This session will explore the practice of leadership and ways to think about the challenges and opportunities associated with mobilizing others to tackle tough challenges and thrive. There is a required reading that you should access prior to the session. Please be prepared to discuss your reflections individually and in our group setting.
Post Session Reflection Activity: Please have Lori provide reflection question or activity related to adaptive leadership
For each instance:
Write down what you said “no” to.
Reflect briefly on how you felt in the moment and afterwards (e.g., relieved, guilty, empowered, nervous, lighter).
March 19, 2027 – Mentoring with Purpose: Supporting Junior Scholars and Advancing Your Research Legacy – SenlIn Chen
This presentation explores how purposeful mentoring can strengthen both individual development and collective research impact. It offers practical strategies for supporting junior faculty and students in ways that align with your scholarly goals, foster a collaborative research culture, and contribute to a lasting academic legacy.
Post Session Reflection Activity: Write 1–2 sentences that capture your personal mentorship philosophy. This could be a guiding belief, a commitment to your mentees, or a statement of how you want to show up as a mentor. Begin drafting your leadership philosophy.
April 16, 2027 – The Power of Influence: Leading Research Faculty – Kristin Sosnowsky
Leading research faculty requires more than management—it takes influence. In this session, you’ll learn strategies to continue to build trust, credibility, and alignment with faculty while navigating their unique priorities. You’ll also begin drafting your own leadership philosophy statement, creating a clear framework to guide your values, decisions, and impact as a leader.
Post Session Reflection Activity: Please complete your leadership philosophy in preparation for the closing session on May 12.
May 12, 2027 – Leadership Capstone/Closing Workshop – Academic Impressions
In this closing workshop, Academic Impressions will share reflections and next steps during the morning session, then after lunch each participant will present their leadership philosophies to the senior leadership of LSU including the Provost and other key leaders who made this session possible.
