Leading without Formal Authority

Skills for Complex Leadership Roles in Academia

A workshop offered by the Human Resources Development

Postdocs and research managers often have responsibility for personnel, equipment or finances. Some of these tasks are directly delegated, others are the result of taking on tasks without a clear management mandate. They operate in a field of tension between various expectations and stakeholders and have to manage the balancing act between scientific and administrative functional logics and cultures. The workshop encourages reflection on one's own role, clarification of tasks and decision-making powers and addresses the challenge of operational academic leadership tasks.

In-person Workshop

Thursday, March 5, 2026
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Trainer

Dr. Matthias Schwarzkopf

Language

English

Location

Poppelsdorfer Allee 31-33, 53115 Bonn
3rd floor, room 3.051

Target group

Research managers | Postdocs | Established researchers

Track(s)

Research Track
Research Management Track
Business and Organizations Track

Certificate

Certificate of attendance

8 work units can be accredited within the "Careers plus" certification program

Content

Reflection on one's own role in the sandwich position
Acquisition of concrete management tools to overcome the challenges
Improving the feedback culture and communication
Developing strategies for effective collaboration with superiors and teams
Strengthening your own responsibility and decision-making skills

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay for the event?

No. Human Resource Development will cover all the costs incurred.

An event is fully booked. Is there a waiting list?

Yes. If an event is fully booked, we will put you on the waiting list. You may then move up the list if a space becomes free with enough time still to go before the event starts.

Do the rooms have barrier-free access?

The building at Poppelsdorfer Allee 31/33 is moderately accessible for people with disabilities. Please contact us in advance so that we can help you if necessary.

Is there any childcare available during the event?

If you need childcare during the event, please contact the Office of Family Services at the University of Bonn.

Can people from outside the University take part in the event too?

The further training offers provided by Human Resource Development at the University of Bonn are only open to people who have signed a work contract with the University, are enrolled as a doctoral student, are conducting research on behalf of the University or are an associated member of a research consortium.

What does “confirmation of attendance” or “certificate” mean?

You will usually be given a certificate at all our events that confirms your attendance at the event and its content.

We are also currently developing a range of certificates for three “career tracks”: “Research,” “Research Management,” and “Business and Organizations.” More information will shortly be provided on the web page for “Postdoc plus,” which is the name of the certification program.

If the event currently being displayed counts as credit toward one of the three “tracks,” this will be indicated accordingly.

Contact

Sabine Kurth-Driessen B.A.

Driessen@verwaltung.uni-bonn.de

+49 228 73-4199

Registration and Organization

Poppelsdorfer Allee 31-33

53115 Bonn