Research Proposal

   Here is my research proposal. Why I choose this topic, leadership in science is that I want to relate to my academic interest.  Also, I will be one of research members in laboratory at ICU, so I wonder how they contribute and cooperate in the team.

Having a Vision and Work

     Historically, many scientists have been given new hope for future to many people around the world by incredible discovery. However, even if spending very long time and dedicating for the research, a way of achievement toward amazing successful discovery is rare. Therefore, it can be gratification for many scientists. Of course it needs many scientists’ effort and also ability to leading the team in the laboratory. My goal of this writing is to look for successful leadership as scientists. Especially, I focus on Shinya Yamanaka who is one of famous Japanese biology scientist in the field of stem cells. There is an interesting episode of him in speech at Japan Council Annual Conference on October 4, 2013. He said “Dr. Robert Mahley taught us young scientists how to succeed as a scientist, and he said, “It is simple, we have to follow VW.” Well, I had a Toyota, so I thought, you know…but he said in this case, “VW” does not mean his Volkswagen and in this case, it means Vision and Work hard”. Then, this simple message turned and impressed his mind strongly. This simple message and sense of humor might be his motive power to the research.

"Wakuwaku Daisakusen" at Hakone marathon

   I would like to introduce one example of remarkable leadership in Hakone marathon at beginning of 2015. You may know this success story of team from Aoyama Gakuin university that won this year's marathon. After the marathon, I saw the team's background story on TV many times and I found that similarities overlapped with some of 10 strategies from L@E. 

    The coach, Susumu Hara showed the great leadership spending for 11 years. Here, I would like to focus on two things. First, he had both short and long term vision. This was written as same as L@E, Chapter 1 "Vision and Quick Victories". It starts from 2004 when Hara came to Aoyama Gakuin and at first, he showed the presentation of 10 year's planning towards teachers at the school and he succeeded to attract them. Then, he tried to adopt new training into the team, but once, there was time that they faced the crisis of abolish club because of luck of members. However, Hara never give up and kept to have confident with his own goal. Finally, having clearer vision, he could succeed to win.

   Next, I focus on his optimism personality. He has really positive thinking. First, he called the team's strategy "Wakuwaku Daisakusen" and he always gave the "right speech" inspired the team. Therefore, he could enjoy the race his self, and he could share this idea with members. It seemed that all of them could enjoy to run. Although I ever thought that marathon is tough and hard, and it needs "gaman"(tolerance), the team seemed so different. Also, I felt their strong relationship as good friend from their enjoyable race.

   We can often see the good leadership and team work from sports like this example. Also, there are many good points that we should learn from it and contribute to our own story.

   If you want to see more, I recommend this one.

   Finally, I chose this picture. Power Pousing!!

Week Three-Thoughts on Chapter 3

Optimism and Reality

   It is said that optimism is "the capacity to look at odds that are impossible, to believe that it is still possible to win, and to convince others that you are right". It is really positive perspective. Then, how people can get this positive thinking and where it comes from? In L@E, "Optimism may not be a natural act for everyone, but there is reason to believe that it is an ability that can be learned and greatly improved".
   First, it is important to turn the idea which come from inside of you. Therefore, it needs to talk to yourself actively and positively so that cultivating optimism by this "inner dialog". I think it sometimes needs to being afford to talk and contemplate yourself by taking some time during walking the street or taking a bath. It is also written that the first step in cultivating optimism is to pay close attention to what you say to yourself.  One example from L@E that seeing self optimistic image "You can do it!"in the mirror every morning is very easy to understand. I think visible image and simle memorable message have strong power that being able to keep in mind and also change the behavior written in Chapter 2. At the same time, it can relate to cultivate self-confidence by seeing self good image. Moreover, it is necessary to send positive message consistently like every morning. It is the way of develop a feeling of optimism and fix the continuous action in mind.

   In the case of some group or team, it is important to spread the spirit of Optimism. I think atmosphere the leader makes really influence the team's motivation, so right words and tone are very important and the leader should be care about that. I think this is the "resonant leadership" that Ken said before. It is said that leader who are successful at The Edge are able to instill in others the belief that the organization will achieve its goals. To do this, it must not withhold basic information about the situation of team. Ken also said "Information, Information and Information". It is important to explain and tell the truth so that the leader can get reliance. In addition, effective leadership in demanding situations means being able to see the optimistic view and, at the same time, deal with stark reality. "There are times at The Edge in which the perceived attitude of leader is a powerful force that can create energy and optimism or fear and pessimism"