Retaining top talent has become more challenging in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving work environment. Biomedical Research organizations strive to meet demanding deadlines and stringent regulatory requirements while maintaining the highest quality of care—all while controlling costs. The pressure is on responsible leaders at every level to foster a work culture where team members feel valued, included, and engaged.
In our recent webinar titled “How Do I Retain My Best Talent? Lessons in Organizational Retention Through Belonging Strategies,” Donna Matthews Jarrell, DVM, DACLAM, and Certified Executive Coach, delved into how leaders can leverage Agility and Lean Management principles to build a culture of inclusivity and belonging. By effectively implementing these strategies, organizations can strengthen alignment, enhance communication, and create a safe, supportive workplace that exceeds expectations.
More About Donna Matthews Jarrell
Dr. Donna Matthews Jarrell is a distinguished animal care management leader, with extensive experience across government, biotech, and academic sectors. Until 2023, she served as the Attending Veterinarian and Director of the Center for Comparative Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Also, Dr. Jarrell pioneers Lean/Agility Management within the industry, significantly enhancing animal health work environments, including quality, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety.
She co-founded the Vivarium Operational Excellence Network (VOEN), which now boasts over 70 institutional and individual members dedicated to continuous improvement and employee engagement. Dr. Jarrell’s contributions to the field have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the inaugural Pioneer Award at the 2023 New England LEAN Conference and the Charles River Medallion from the Laboratory Animal Management Association (LAMA) in 2023. At Speculo Business & Clinical Services, LLC, she continues to guide leaders in maximizing resources and fostering healthy, inclusive workplace cultures.
Embrace Change to Thrive in Biomedical Research Leadership
According to Matthews Jarrell, change is inevitable, especially in a dynamic industry like ours. It’s crucial not to cling to old ways but to channel energy into building the new to stay ahead. As Socrates wisely noted, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
Leaders must recognize the importance of agility and adaptability in guiding their teams through transitions while maintaining high standards of care and operational excellence.
The Power of Servant Leadership
Matthews Jarrell advocates for servant leadership based on her experience. But what exactly is it? Servant leadership flips the traditional hierarchy, placing customers and employees at the top and leadership at the bottom. In this model, a leader’s primary role is to serve and empower their team to succeed.
This approach fosters a supportive environment where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute their best. Leaders should continually ask, “How can I help you succeed?” By focusing on the success of their people, leaders can build a culture of trust and engagement.
Embracing Agility Management in Biomedical Research
Agility Management is crucial for organizations aiming to thrive in today’s fast-paced environment. Matthews Jarrell emphasized the importance of agility, highlighting how it enables organizations to adapt quickly while maintaining operational excellence.
Matthews Jarrell defines Agility Management as “a capacity to change quickly, adapting to both internal and external situations.” Practically, this means making processes and operations better defined, more responsive to change, and more fluid communication and information sharing.
Key factors include:
- Well-Defined Processes: Ensuring processes are clear and easy to review and training to help maintain consistency and efficiency.
- Flexibility: Implementing processes that can adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
- Fast, Reliable Decision-Making: Streamlining decision-making processes to ensure timely and accurate responses to challenges.
- Aligned Values and Goals: Ensuring all team members share common values and goals to drive cohesive efforts.
Matthews Jarrell’s LEAN Management Insights for Biomedical Research
Matthews Jarrell highlights the integration of LEAN Management principles as essential for effective Agility Management. Organizations can optimize processes, improve operational practices, and enhance overall efficiency by incorporating LEAN techniques. This approach aligns with the broader goals of Agility Management, driving both immediate improvements and long-term success.
Key Principles of LEAN Management:
- Continuous Improvement: Foster a workplace culture of ongoing enhancements through inclusive feedback and iterative changes.
- Waste Reduction: Focus on minimizing waste in all forms, including time, materials, and effort.
- Empowering Employees and Teams: Engage everyone who “touches” a problem into problem-solving and process improvements to enhance overall productivity.
Employee Engagement: The Key to Retention
Engaged employees are the backbone of any successful organization, explained Matthews Jarrell in our recent webinar. Furthermore, she shared insights from Gallup’s Q12 Survey, employees are most engaged when they know what is expected of them, receive recognition for their achievements, and feel supported by their supervisors.
When team members believe that their colleagues care about them and the quality of their work, they are more likely to stay committed to the organization. Leaders must keep their teams engaged and motivated by prioritizing clear communication, recognition, and support.
Building Trusting Teams
Trust is the foundation of a high-performing team. When employees trust their leaders and each other, they are more willing to take on new challenges, share responsibility, and identify areas for improvement. Trusting teams are more flexible, collaborative, and capable of delivering higher-quality work. By promoting task rotation, leaders can create a more versatile workforce and foster a culture of shared responsibility.
Tools for Success: Huddle Boards and Balanced Scorecards
Effective communication and goal-setting tools, such as huddle boards and balanced scorecards, keep teams focused and aligned. Surveys show that these tools help team leads and staff stay on track, reduce duplication of effort, and improve daily operations. By regularly referring to these tools, teams can maintain clarity and direction, ensuring everyone is working towards common goals.
Keeping Employees Engaged: Empathy and Opportunities
Engagement goes beyond knowing what is expected—employees need to feel heard, valued and challenged. Leaders can keep their teams engaged by asking for their opinions, creating on-the-job opportunities, and encouraging cross-training and career development. Supporting employees in taking career risks and stretching their roles fosters a dynamic and motivated workforce.
Recommendations for Leaders
To lead effectively, especially in times of change, Matthews Jarrell has determined that leaders must:
- Embrace discomfort and reduce defensiveness.
- Appreciate and value different perspectives.
- Reflect on their practices and the needs of their team.
- Foster a culture of continuous reflection and improvement.
By adopting these strategies, leaders can create an environment where top talent thrives, ensuring the long-term success of their organization. The journey towards organizational excellence is ongoing, with the right tools, mindset, and leadership approach.
Building a Culture of Excellence to Retain Top Talent in Biomedical Research
In conclusion, retaining top talent in biomedical research organizations hinges on creating a culture that values agility, inclusivity, and engagement. Leaders can build a supportive environment where employees feel empowered and motivated by embracing servant leadership, fostering trust, and utilizing effective communication tools
As Dr. Donna Matthews Jarrell emphasized, focusing on the needs of your team and adapting to change are crucial for sustaining high performance and excellence. Leaders who prioritize these strategies will retain their best talent and drive their organizations toward continued success and innovation. The journey to excellence may be ongoing, but with a commitment to these principles, achieving it is entirely within reach.
Related Blog Story
In a past webinar, laboratory experts Laura A. Conour, DVM, DACLAM, and Pamela Straeter, MS, RLATG, CMAR, and CPIA, shared their insights on navigating challenging personalities in the lab animal science field. Their expert advice provides practical strategies for fostering a more collaborative and effective work environment.
Read the full blog to learn more about handling difficult personalities and enhancing team dynamics in lab animal science: How to Overcome Difficult Personalities in Lab Animal Science.