In every lab, whether in an industrial company, a university, or a government facility, higher-level rules and procedures are inevitable. Even when you've meticulously outlined your objectives, made detailed plans, and set clear priorities, unexpected changes can still disrupt your workflow—new HR procedures, budget cuts, or sudden shifts in customer demands.

Successful managers must understand what they can and cannot control. While you can't prevent upper management from issuing budget cut mandates, you can control how you respond and strategize to do more with less. You can't avoid customer crises that derail your plans, but you can control how you allocate resources and adapt to meet those challenges.

For your well-being as a manager, it's crucial to recognize the difference between what you can influence and what lies beyond your control. Don't waste energy worrying about the uncontrollable; instead, focus on your flexibility and ability to adapt. Challenges will arise—it's a given. Another key piece of advice: when directives come from above, don't present them to your team as "their decision." To your staff, you are the voice of leadership. Own the directives. Use your communication skills to provide clarity and purpose to your team.

Consider the lab budget—a prime example of what you can and can't control. Your organization's budget will include fixed costs, like facility expenses, that you can't change, and variable costs, like capital spending and disposables, that you can manage. Understanding these distinctions is critical for effective leadership.

At ALMA2024, Greg Bowen will share his insights on budgeting, drawing from his extensive experience as Director of Integrated Genomics Cores at the University of North Carolina, Director of Battelle's Biomedical Research Center, and as an Officer in the United States Army Chemical Corps. His session will provide practical strategies for preparing, selling, and reporting budgets—tools that will empower you to navigate the challenges you face as a lab manager.

Join us at ALMA2024 to gain the knowledge and skills you need to control what you can and lead your lab to success.