RITRAIN - Coaching development program - Universidad Complutense de Madrid 2024

On November 15 and 16, 2024, the Complutense University of Madrid hosted the Coaching Development Program (CDP), part of the European RITrainPlus project. Held at the Student Building, this in-person training gathered participants from the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Israel, offering them the chance to meet face-to-face after attending online sessions. The workshops focused on developing leadership and coaching skills tailored for professionals working in European research infrastructures and core facilities.

The CDP is an intensive training program designed to help leaders enhance their interpersonal and coaching skills, empowering them to navigate complex challenges and foster growth within their teams. It combines theoretical insights with practical exercises, making use of neuroscience principles to build resilience, improve emotional intelligence, and promote innovative thinking. Delivered by experienced professional coaches, the program aims to create a lasting impact on participants by fostering an engaging, collaborative, and participatory learning environment.

The program consisted of several interconnected phases. First, participants completed online sessions that covered foundational coaching concepts, focusing on emotional intelligence, empathy, and goal setting. The in-person workshops held in Madrid deepened these learnings through simulations, role-playing, and case studies that emphasized real-world application. The final phase, focusing on creative thinking, action planning, and the Self-Determination Theory, prepared participants to implement effective strategies in their organizations.

During the Madrid sessions, participants engaged in 12.5 hours of hands-on training over two days. Led by Hernán, the workshops included peer-to-peer coaching exercises, class discussions, and case study analyses. These activities encouraged participants to apply coaching methodologies to strengthen their leadership skills and interpersonal relationships. Feedback and co-creation were integral to the process, fostering a collaborative and enriching experience.

Participants gained key skills such as designing meaningful and achievable objectives, developing creative and innovative thinking, managing emotional and rational aspects of conversations, and creating effective action plans. The program emphasized the importance of empathy, trust, and active listening in building stronger teams and achieving organizational goals.

The Coaching Development Program is part of RITrainPlus, a European initiative to improve leadership and management in research infrastructures. By equipping professionals with cutting-edge coaching tools and methodologies, the project supports innovation and excellence in scientific organizations across Europe. The Complutense University of Madrid played a crucial role as host and sponsor, reinforcing the connection between academia and the advancement of European research infrastructures.

This transformative program is aimed at managers, operators, and professionals in research infrastructures or core facilities who seek to strengthen their leadership and coaching abilities. The diverse backgrounds of the participants contributed to a rich exchange of perspectives and ideas, highlighting the program’s European-wide impact.

For more information about the Coaching Development Program, visit the official RITrainPlus website at

https://ritrainplus.eu/2023/01/13/coa...

This event would not have been possible without the support of the RITrainPlus project and the Complutense University of Madrid, both committed to advancing leadership in science and research.