Share thisFollowing these keys will help strike the highest level of operational success and research excellence.
The provision of an adequate, compassionate, and successful animal care program for research animals is an utmost priority in today’s research environments, especially as the demand for innovation continues to grow. Executing this type of program requires several strategic functional principles that need to be implemented on a daily basis — ranging from effective management techniques, rigorous training programs, quality assurance implementation, effective communication strategies, and documentation of required policies, procedures, and processes.
While all are considered independent requirements, the following keys need to be collaboratively conducted across the lab environment — at all times — to strike the highest level of operational success and research excellence.
Key #1: Advanced Management Skills
An effective/efficient manager is the type of leader who is intricately involved with and takes the time to coordinate, review, and observe the duties and responsibilities of their personnel. Effective management requires a solid mentoring program — based on the “managing by walking around” philosophy.
This cannot lend itself to the common “sink or swim” attitude seen in many environments. The each-one-teach-one attitude is more realistic, with a senior and experienced mentor providing guidance, direction, and motivation to a new or inexperienced manager.
Advancement and promotion from within provides upper management an opportunity to create qualified managers who drive the required oversight in their facilities. Each is mentored and inherits a very specific list of required skills and abilities in order to succeed.