Navigating change with confidence
Navigating change with confidence
25 February 2027, 13h - 17h | Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg
11 March 2027 | online
General context
Change is a constant in research environments, whether it’s shifting priorities, new systems, or evolving team structures.
This workshop helps support staff build resilience, adapt effectively, and maintain balance during transitions. Through practical tools and strategies, you’ll learn how to manage last-minute changes, handle resistance, and communicate confidently in challenging situations.
This training is part of a mini learning journey consisting of three trainings.
1. Developing self-leadership
2. Working smarter in teams
3. Navigating change with confidence
While it is not mandatory to attend all three trainings, it is strongly recommended, as the modules complement one another.
For participants who complete the entire learning journey, a personal one-on-one online coaching session is included.
After this training, you will:
- Manage unexpected changes and prioritize effectively under pressure.
- Apply tools for time management and efficient meetings.
- Handle resistance and challenging conversations using structured communication techniques (DESC, COSMOS).
- Communicate clearly and involve the right stakeholders during transitions.
This half-day interactive workshop combines:
- Scenario-based exercises to practice handling change and difficult conversations.
- Short theory inputs on resilience, adaptability, and communication tools
- Peer exchange and feedback for real-life strategies and solutions.
Follow-up support
For those who completed all three modules, an online session and optional individual coaching are available within three months to address ongoing challenges.
Support staff across research and administrative units who want to strengthen their ability to adapt, prioritize, and communicate effectively in times of change.
Trainers
Barbara Baert
As a laboratory manager, Barbara soon discovered her passion for training and coaching. Her scientific studies taught her analytical thinking, but managing and guiding managers, employees and students trained her in the business world. 12 years of experience in people management, that's what makes your toolbox grow!
In 2021, however, Barbara opted for a career switch to professional company training and coaching. The focus included mentoring, sharpening professional soft skills, team operations and (self)leadership. and so she started B-management coaching & consulting (BMC).
As a professional skill set facilitator, she is always looking for new challenges with an emphasis on continuous improvement and broadening her horizon. She believes in goal-oriented professional transformation with a view to maintaining individuality and growing your own tools.
Helping others to step out of their comfort zone based on their own talent and strengths is one of her driving forces that she feels is essential for transforming managers and new, upcoming young potentials. She is an open-minded and disciplined professional with a quality-driven mindset.
Program
Understanding and dealing with change effectively
- How to cope last minute changes or requests?
- Who do you need to involve during change?
Time management
- Detecting & overcoming time-waisters
- Tools for environmental time-control
Handling resistance & difficult situations
- My 'Why': How to stand your ground
- Handling confrontation with higher management and PI's: Use of DESC and COSMOS techniques
Smarter meetings: How do I handle a lab meeting or admin meeting more efficiently?
Practical info
25 February 2027 - 11 March 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Herestraat 49
3000 Leuven
Belgium
25 February 2027 - 11 March 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Leuven train station is approximately 4 km from the campus Gasthuisberg. Buses depart very regularly to the Gasthuisberg Campus from Leuven train station.
For tickets and up to date schedules visit website De Lijn or use the De Lijn App.
Exit at the very last bus stop ‘Gasthuisberg Campus) make sure not to exit at ‘Gasthuisberg Kliniek =
hospital)
Once you get off the bus, go to your right and go up the street until you see stairs to your left. Climb the stairs all the way up between two buildings. Look for the signs containing blue circles and white numbers and follow them all the way from 2 up to number 12. You will cross several buildings and the walk will take max. 10 minutes. When you reach number 12, you have reached O&N 5, where you can find the reception.
25 February 2027 - 11 March 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
The Gasthuisberg campus is west of the Leuven ring. Our buildings are situated behind the hospital (see black arrow near ‘RING NOORD’ on the map). If you come from the city center, you will arrive on campus from the east side (taking Mgr. Van Waeyenberglaan and roundabout Het Teken). If you come from Heverlee or Campus Arenberg, you will arrive from the west side (taking the Celestijnenlaan and Taborweg). When you arrive uphill at the intersection with the Rega Institute and the Red Cross building, you need to take the road down to the bicycle parking at Rega Institute (see map) where you can park. Next, follow the ‘Onderwijs & Navorsing blue route’ description below (start point is #9).
25 February 2027 - 11 March 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
You arrive via the E314 highway – EXIT 16
After 200 m, keep left to drive underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
You arrive via the Leuven ring road
At the roundabout, take the exit towards ‘Spoed / Ziekenhuis’.
Follow the ring around Campus Gasthuisberg and pass the entrance of SPOED.
Continue right until you arrive at a second roundabout.
Follow the directions for E314.
Near the Fire Brigade Station, make a U-turn and follow the directions for ‘Ziekenhuis’.
Keep left and drive downhill, underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
Next, leave the parking at level +1 using the big stairs near the vending machines.
Follow the red carpet and arrows to 'Onco Dagcentrum' to get to the O&N buildings. Take the stairs on your left after exiting Parking West. You are now in front of the O&N4 building; on the left you will find O&N5.