The workshop demonstrated that inclusion is not just a theory, but a set of concrete agreements and habits that enhance both collaboration and work quality.
“Inclusion” and “leadership” quickly prove not to be buzzwords in science, but rather everyday practices: who feels confident enough to speak up, who stays silent, and whose needs are taken into account.
That is why we at SCI MUNI organized the workshop Inclusive Leadership – How to Create a Place Where People Enjoy Working. We aimed to openly reflect on how leadership styles influence the quality of collaboration, learning, and scientific outcomes.
The feedback – especially from our researchers – confirmed that this is a topic that truly belongs in the academic environment.
One of the participants was Peter Fabian, a developmental biologist and ERC grant holder. The topic and the way the workshop was facilitated resonated with him so strongly that he is considering running a similar format for his entire team.
The workshop demonstrated that inclusion is not just a theory, but a set of concrete agreements and habits that enhance both collaboration and work quality.
We delivered the workshop in cooperation with trainer Daša Kaloudová (Azteka) and offered it in two editions—one of them in English. This reflects a simple principle: when we work in international teams, it is only fair to share tools in a common language.
Not because “it’s the right thing to say,” but because it works:
Better decision-making and outcomes
Diverse teams (in terms of age, gender, nationality, and experience) broaden perspectives and help identify blind spots before they turn into problems.
Faster learning
In environments where it feels safe to ask questions and try different approaches, the path from idea to validated solution is significantly shorter.
Talent retention
Fair agreements, transparency, and respect for different working styles increase engagement and loyalty—crucial factors in academia.
We see leadership as a complex, long-term capability, which is why we are continuing with additional topics:
Our offer also includes individual coaching for those who want to explore their leadership challenges in greater depth.
An inclusive environment is not a “nice to have.”
It is a way to do better science: to learn faster, get stuck less often, and retain top talent over the long term.
We’ve started, and we’re continuing.
How does it work in your team?
Implementation of a Flexible Working Culture and a Support System for Parents on Maternity and Parental Leave in the Working Environment of the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University (Registration No.: CZ.03.01.02/00/22_012/0003881)
Leadership is a key pillar of excellent science. That’s why we organized the conference "How to Handle Leadership", featuring insights from Antarctica, data from the business world, and an honest panel of our own leaders. And because inspiration alone is not enough, we're following up with workshops and coaching.
HR Excellence in Research Award retained — We received the highest possible rating, “Accepted” as one of the first institutions in the Czech Republic. What did the panel praise, and what does it recommend we improve?
