Leadership culture at Forschungszentrum Jülich

Our leaders are the linchpin of cooperation, motivation, and success. Leadership is not an end in itself; it is a means to working together well, which in turn is essential for a successful company. To achieve this, we concentrate on promoting dialogue and mutual understanding. Only if we can successfully pool our countless individual competencies in a constructive manner encouraging continuous interplay, then will we be successful as a research centre.

In the article "Leadership in Transition"a leadership development coach and four leaders at Forschungszentrum Jülich provide further insights into our leadership culture as well as the tools and support that we offer our employees in leadership roles.

Leadership model and competency model

A thirst for knowledge, critical thinking, the ability to argue rationally, and creativity are typical traits of people who work in a research institution. These characteristics are our most important resource, but they also present a huge challenge for leadership. Forschungszentrum Jülich has developed a leadership model to describe how it would like to implement a leadership culture. It was developed by more than 600 employees working together. The leadership competency model additionally defines roles and responsibilities and provides orientation in everyday situations. It describes what Jülich as a company expects from its leaders – in terms of their duties as well as attitudes and values. These principles do not equate to a standardized form of leadership, but they do provide a transparent basis and a framework for leaders to operate within.

For more information, see the leadership model brochure (PDF).

Supporting our leaders

Shaping areas of responsibility, keeping employees in focus and managing oneself at the same time are key aspects of professional leadership. To support our leaders in this demanding role, we offer a comprehensive development portfolio. This includes leadership training and programmes, networking opportunities and events, as well as needs-based individual and team support. We also provide dual career support for applicants to leadership positions.

Family-conscious leadership

When work, family and personal life are well balanced, you can perform your professional responsibilities effectively. As a leader, you carry particular responsibility in this context. Together with your team, you shape working arrangements that take individual needs into account while also meeting team requirements.

Your own work-life balance is also part of good leadership. Further information and support services on family-conscious leadership can be found on the pages of the Equal Opportunities Office.

_{Copyright images on this page: Forschungszentrum Jülich / Sascha Kreklau}