3 Top Soft Skills for Laboratory Managers

Poor management support in laboratories negatively affects the efficiency of sample analysis. It also contributes to low morale in the workplace. Many lab managers worked effectively in previous staff roles with strong technical skills. But management positions place a stronger emphasis on soft skills that people use to communicate with one another. Let’s look at the importance of the top soft skills for laboratory managers.

1. Communication

When people communicate with each other, they exchange information. These exchanges can be written, verbal, or nonverbal. This simple concept becomes complicated when either the sender or the recipient lacks interest, gets distracted, or feels strong emotions. Using imprecise language or loaded words—especially with a negative tone—also frustrates communication efforts.

Great lab managers choose the right time and the right words for delivering their messages. They also listen and read actively to understand the other party. Effective communication increases accuracy in labs, which is why managers with poor soft skills are top laboratory workplace challenges.

2. Relationship-Building

When lab managers develop a relationship with each team member, this benefits the manager, the employee, and the whole team. Personal relationships build respect and understanding between management and the team. Managers can develop these relationships with one-on-one staff meetings and positive interactions.

Lab staff are more likely to go to a manager with a problem or for guidance when they feel the manager knows them personally. And managers benefit from a deeper understanding of the day-to-day work in their laboratory. Building relationships is a top soft skill for laboratory managers because fractured laboratories don’t produce high-quality work.

3. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving requires hard technical skills, but in a management position, it often also requires soft skills. When a manager relies on staff to solve an issue, effective communication and good relationships come in handy. Managers must maintain a higher-level focus on problems by managing staff who work on a more granular level to achieve goals. Managers who stay calm, positive, and open in the face of intimidating problems help staff perform at their highest levels.