Working smarter in teams
Working smarter in teams
27 January 2027, 13h - 17h | Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg
4 February 2027 | online
General context
Successful teamwork relies on trust, clear communication, and aligned expectations. This workshop gives support staff practical tools to collaborate effectively, prevent misunderstandings, and manage interpersonal dynamics in both lab and office settings.
You’ll learn how to set clear goals, provide and receive constructive feedback, and communicate with confidence to strengthen team alignment.
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:
- Align team expectations and responsibilities for smoother collaboration.
- Set realistic goals using SMART and OUTCOME techniques.
- Communicate effectively by balancing facts and emotions, reducing tension in challenging situations.
- Give and receive constructive feedback with confidence.
- Present your work clearly during team or lab meetings.
This half-day interactive workshop includes:
- Short theory inputs on effective communication and teamwork principles.
- Practical exercises & role-plays based on real-life team scenarios.
- Peer exchange & reflection to share strategies and strengthen self-awareness.
Follow-up support:
For those who completed all three module an online session and optional individual coaching are available within three months to address ongoing challenges.
Support staff who work closely with teams — in the lab, administration, or project coordination — and who wish to improve collaboration, communication, and team effectiveness.
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
Being clear about expectations: no surprises in teamwork!
- Why it matters to really know your team
- Balancing facts & feelings: preventing misunderstandings and reducing conflict
Setting team goals that work
- Using SMART & OUTCOME in a practical way
- Influence vs. manipulation: what’s the difference in daily practice?
Practical tips for lab presentations
How to give, receive and implement feedback in the lab
- The essence of feedback.
- Asking the right questions: am I making myself clear?
Practical info
27 January 2027 - 04 February 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Herestraat 49
3000 Leuven
Belgium
27 January 2027 - 04 February 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.
27 January 2027 - 04 February 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).
27 January 2027 - 04 February 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.