EQUALITY GUIdE - KU Leuven

Chapter 4 ! Scientific communication 229
1. Imposing yourself as a woman (self-image)
Do women communicate in a different way? Do they have to behave like their male colleagues?
How can they position themselves to fuel their way to the top? How can they fit in
when a group mainly consists of men?
2. Communication differences/styles/skills
Are there any differences between men and women? And if so, which are they and how do
you handle them? What do you need to pay attention to? Which elements can be positive
for one’s career?
3. Context-based communication
How do you consider context in your communication? At meetings which unite several
target groups with different interests, for example: strategic, informative, diplomatic and
targeted.
4. Communication as an instrument
How do you use communication for the benefit of your career? Which importance does
non-verbal communication have? How can you use this?
5.3. Communication tips for female researchers
Based on the literature study, the brainstorming sessions and the test trainings, the
following communication tips were elaborated for female researchers who want to
make their way to the top.
Communicate in a PR-oriented way
! Establish informal contacts, make sure people know you.
! Invest in networking and lobbying, not only within but also outside the university;
! Capitalize on your titles.
! Check if your name is mentioned where it is supposed to be.
! Create a personal website with all of your articles and a copy of your current and
translated curriculum vitae.
! Speak more often and more clearly about what you are working on, what you have
accomplished and what your merits are.
! Communicate your ambitions in a clear way.
! Communicate enthusiastically about your research, also outside the university.
! Make sure you can formulate in three sentences what characterizes you and what
makes you (and your research) interesting.
! Increase your own visibility by giving attention to others.
! Devote proper attention to your e-mail.
! Make your research known to the outside world, both to the broad public and to
the media.
! Regularly go on a study trip.
! When attending receptions or other events, think about whom you want to speak to
and what message you want to convey.