OPDPA: Transition from Individual Contributor to Leader/Manager

The transition from technical expert to leadership position can be challenging because of the significantly different responsibilities for each role. While the success of individual contributors depends primarily on technical skills and task completion, leader/managers – by definition – are responsible for achieving results through others and are evaluated on the success of their teams. To facilitate the transition to leadership, this seminar will provide an overview of the expectations and responsibilities of leader/managers, the skills required to be successful in those roles, and the basic misconceptions about what it means to be a boss. Participants will leave the seminar with:•Deeper understanding of the fundamental differences between individual contributors and leader/managers•Ability to identify effective vs. ineffective leadership attributes•Techniques to acquire skills for managing others•Strategies to recognize and build leadership skillsSpeaker Bio: Gwen Acton, PhD is an expert on strategic leadership at the intersection of science and business. She is CEO of Vivo Group, of Vivo Group, a firm that improves the leadership skills of technical experts so they can be more productive and innovative in industry. Prior to this, she served as Director of Scientific Development at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. Dr. Acton has a doctorate in biology from M.I.T., and served as a faculty member at Harvard University in the department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. She is the author of the book "The Bluffer’s Guide to Genetics," a humorous guide to DNA published by Oval Books, and the former president of Women Entrepreneurs in Science & Technology (WEST). Dr. Acton is a popular speaker, workshop presenter, and facilitator.

When 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Location BU School of Medicine, Instructional Bldg., Room L-203
Contact Name Yolanta Kovalko