How to Improve Lab Management
$449
Leads to certification
Lab Management

How to Improve Lab Management

Managing a lab involves a wide range of decisions, many of which have significant impacts on the people and mission of the lab. Welcome to Lab Manager Academy's How to Improve Lab Management stream—a comprehensive program designed to empower lab managers with the skills needed to make effective decisions, manage change, negotiate successfully, and build influential networks. The stream consists of 5 courses, each strategically crafted to enhance your lab management capabilities.

What is this stream credential about?

  • Making Data-Driven Decisions: Lab managers need to make a wide variety of decisions. Many of these decisions can be significantly improved by following a data-driven decision-making process. Using data in decisions will help make better decisions, be more objective, and enable more clear communication about the decisions.
  • Making Difficult Decisions for the Lab: This course is intended to provide a series of tips and advice to demonstrate a productive approach to making decisions, especially difficult ones. It will include examples that show how the lab manager can approach difficult decisions as well as activities to help build and practice these skills.
  • Change Management: This course will help lab managers embrace an effective change process, address questions about convincing people to accept changes, and explain how to sustain important changes in the lab.
  • Negotiating Win/Win: Laboratory decisions often involve other people. Some of these decisions will need to be negotiated with staff, customers, and vendors. To build strong, long-term relationships, both sides will need to seek to understand the real needs of the other and negotiate for a win/win outcome. 
  • Networking and Influence: Lab managers need to learn how to bring new ideas into the lab and gain support from people over whom they have no authority. This course will teach improved networking skills and how to win allies and supporters through influence.

Who is this stream credential for?

Lab managers and professionals responsible for effective lab operations, decision-makers seeking to enhance their skills, and individuals aspiring to excel in lab management roles will benefit from this program.

What are the benefits of this stream credential?

By completing the How to Improve Lab Management stream, you'll gain:

  • Enhanced decision-making skills through data-driven processes
  • Proficiency in managing and sustaining organizational change
  • Improved negotiation skills for win/win outcomes
  • Enhanced networking abilities to gain allies and supporters
  • Practical influence-building strategies for introducing new ideas

What do I get out of completing this stream credential?

Upon completion, you'll possess a credential demonstrating your expertise in lab management, plus practical skills that can be immediately applied in your role. The knowledge gained from this program will empower you to lead confidently, make informed decisions, and navigate the complexities of lab management successfully. As an IACET Accredited Provider, Lab Manager Academy offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.

How long do the courses take to complete?

Each course in the How to Improve Lab Management stream is crafted to be completed in approximately 60 minutes. The entire stream credential can be achieved in just five hours, providing a convenient and efficient learning experience.

What is the format of the courses?

Courses are entirely online, providing the flexibility to be completed from anywhere, anytime. The concise 60-minute duration of each course ensures that busy professionals can efficiently integrate learning into their schedules.

Who is the Instructor?

Meet Scott Hanton, PhD, the instructor for this program. Scott is the editorial director at Lab Manager and the leader of the Lab Manager Academy. He spent 30 years working in industrial chemistry labs, with 20 years as a lab manager. He had roles of general manager, laboratory operations manager, and chief scientist for Intertek Allentown. Previously, he held the positions of research scientist, laboratory supervisor, and section manager at Air Products & Chemicals. Through these different roles, Scott developed expertise in polymer mass spectrometry, analytical characterization, people leadership, and business management. He earned a BS in Chemistry from Michigan State University and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Scott is an active member of ACS, ASMS, and ALMA.

What is Lab Manager Academy?

Lab Manager Academy provides a wide array of courses for lab managers and safety managers, offering essential knowledge and training on a variety of topics. In our online curriculum, you can choose individual courses, opt for stream-level credentials, or pursue a full certificate program to enhance your leadership and safety management skills. Whether you're already a lab manager, safety officer, or technician—or you're aspiring to be one—our certificate programs will empower you to manage safer, more secure, and highly productive laboratory environments. As an IACET Accredited Provider, Lab Manager Academy ensures that its learning events comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard, guaranteeing a standard of excellence.


Invest in your professional development with Lab Manager Academy's How to Improve Lab Management stream and elevate your skills to new heights.

Curriculum content

  • Instructor: Scott Hanton Are you ready to navigate the winds of change in your lab with finesse and confidence? Introducing our dynamic online course on Change Management, led by seasoned expert Scott Hanton. In today's fast-paced world, change is not just inevitable; it's essential for growth and innovation. However, guiding your team through transitions can be a daunting task. Fear not! This course equips lab managers with the essential tools and strategies to lead successful change initiatives. What is this course about? Change is a constant in every lab environment. Some changes are smooth sailing, while others encounter choppy waters. In this course, you'll delve into the heart of effective change management. From crafting a compelling vision of the future to executing a strategic plan and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, you'll gain invaluable insights to steer your lab towards success. Scott Hanton, your trusted instructor, brings years of practical experience to the table, ensuring that you receive top-notch guidance every step of the way. What are the benefits of this course? Identify Change Challenges: Pinpoint the hurdles and complexities inherent in change processes. Implement Effective Change Strategies: Master a proven framework to seamlessly integrate change into your lab's operations. Craft Compelling Communication: Learn to communicate change initiatives with clarity and persuasion. Analyze Change Failure: Understand the root causes of unsuccessful change efforts and how to mitigate them. Spot the Right Changes: Develop the acumen to discern and prioritize impactful changes for your lab's success. What are the learning outcomes of this course? Identify the difficulties of change, Integrate an effective change management process, Create effective communication, Determine the reasons why many change efforts fail, Recognize ways to identify the right changes. Don't let change be a stumbling block; turn it into your lab's greatest asset. Enroll now and take the first step towards mastering change management!
    • Lesson Change Management

  • Instructor: Scott Hanton Are you a lab manager facing tough choices on a daily basis? From prioritizing experiments to allocating resources, the decisions you make can have a significant impact on your lab's success. Join us for an immersive online course designed to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to tackle even the most challenging decisions with confidence. What is this course about? In "Making Difficult Decisions for the Lab," instructor Scott Hanton will guide you through a structured approach to decision-making that leverages data, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Through a series of engaging lessons and practical activities, you'll learn how to navigate the complexities of decision-making in the lab environment and emerge as a more effective leader. What are the benefits of this course? Strategic Decision-Making Framework: Learn a disciplined approach tailored for tough decisions, ensuring clarity and confidence in every choice you make. Harnessing the Power of Data: Discover how leveraging available data can significantly enhance the quality and precision of your decisions, unlocking invaluable insights to drive success. Collaborative Decision-Making: Explore the benefits of teamwork in tackling challenging decisions, and learn strategies to effectively engage and leverage the expertise of your team. Real-World Examples and Case Studies: Gain practical insights from real-life scenarios, equipping you with actionable strategies and techniques to address difficult decisions head-on. Hands-On Activities and Skill-Building Exercises: Engage in interactive activities designed to reinforce learning and hone your decision-making skills, ensuring you're well-equipped to navigate any challenge that comes your way. What are the learning outcomes of this course? Summarize the importance of decision-making Identify who will be involved in making decisions Explain the importance of using data Design follow through activities Recognize the impact of decision fatigue Through real-world examples and interactive exercises, you'll gain practical skills and insights that you can apply directly to your role as a lab manager. Whether you're facing tough choices about resource allocation or prioritizing competing demands, this course will empower you to make informed decisions that drive success for your lab. Don't let difficult decisions hold you back. Enroll now and take the first step towards mastering the art of decision-making in the lab!
  • Instructor: Scott Hanton In today's dynamic work environment, successful lab managers must possess not only technical expertise but also the invaluable skills of networking and influence. This online course delves deep into the art of cultivating meaningful connections and leveraging influence to achieve goals effectively. Led by expert instructor Scott Hanton, this course is designed to empower lab managers with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in their roles. What is this course about? Unlock the power of networking and influence to excel in your role as a lab manager. In today's dynamic work environment, the ability to cultivate relationships and leverage influence is paramount. Join us for an immersive online course where you'll discover the secrets to building a robust network and wielding influence effectively. What are the benefits of this course? Understand the Value of Networking: Discover why networking is not just a luxury but a crucial skill for lab managers, and how it can significantly impact your career trajectory. Cultivate Essential Relationships: Learn how to identify and nurture relationships that are essential for building a strong and supportive professional network tailored to your needs. Expand Your Network: Master the art of meeting new people and seamlessly integrating them into your network, enhancing your reach and opportunities. Harness the Power of Influence: Explore the nuances of influence, including how to build trust, establish credibility, and effectively persuade others to achieve your goals. Utilize Influence Strategically: Acquire practical strategies for using influence to drive projects forward, foster collaboration across teams, and navigate organizational complexities with finesse. Learning Outcomes: Identify the value of networking Cultivate relationships needed for your network Learn how to meet new people and add them to your network Understand the benefits of influence and identify ways to build and grow influence Use influence on behalf of the lab Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your professional capabilities and make your mark as a distinguished lab manager! Join us on a transformative journey as we equip you with the tools and insights needed to become a master of networking and influence in the realm of laboratory management. Enroll now and unlock the secrets to advancing your career and achieving unparalleled success in your role.
  • Instructor: Scott Hanton Are you ready to elevate your lab management skills to new heights? Welcome to our dynamic online course led by industry expert Scott Hanton, where we delve into the transformative world of data-driven decision-making tailored specifically for lab managers. What is this course about? In today's fast-paced scientific landscape, effective decision-making is paramount. Whether you're optimizing workflows, allocating resources, or evaluating outcomes, harnessing the power of data holds the key to success. This course isn't just about understanding the importance of data; it's about equipping you with the practical skills to leverage data effectively, ensuring every decision you make is backed by solid evidence and yields optimal results. What are the benefits of this course? Recognize the Significance of Data: Understand the pivotal role of data in guiding decisions and driving organizational success. Utilize Diverse Data Types: Learn to leverage various types of data, from quantitative metrics to qualitative insights, to gain comprehensive perspectives for informed decision-making. Navigate Lab Data Sources: Acquire proficiency in locating and accessing relevant data within laboratory environments, ensuring access to crucial information for strategic decision-making. Integrate Data into Decision-Making Processes: Master the art of integrating data seamlessly into decision-making processes, enabling evidence-based strategies and fostering organizational agility. What are the learning outcomes of this course? Identify the importance of data Make use of different kinds of data Know where lab data is located Integrate data in decision-making Don't let uncertainty hold your lab back – empower yourself with the tools and techniques needed to unlock the full potential of data-driven decision-making. Enroll now and embark on a transformative journey towards success in lab management!
  • Instructor: Scott Hanton In today's dynamic business landscape, effective negotiation isn't just a skill – it's a strategic advantage. Join seasoned instructor Scott Hanton in our comprehensive online course, "Negotiating Win/Win," and transform the way you approach negotiations forever. What is this course about? Led by industry expert Scott Hanton, this course is designed to equip lab managers, professionals, and decision-makers with the essential tools and techniques needed to navigate negotiations successfully. Whether you're dealing with staff, customers, or vendors, understanding how to create win/win outcomes is paramount for fostering strong, enduring relationships. What are the benefits of this course? Fundamentals of Negotiating: Gain insights into the core principles of negotiation and discover the transformative power of win/win outcomes. Understanding Real Needs: Learn how to delve deep into the underlying needs of all stakeholders involved, fostering empathy and trust essential for sustainable relationships. Strategies for Win/Win Outcomes: Explore actionable strategies to ensure mutual benefit in negotiations, paving the way for collaborative success. Breaking Deadlocks: Acquire techniques to deftly navigate impasses and turn deadlocks into opportunities for constructive dialogue and resolution. Spotting Adversarial Tactics: Sharpen your awareness to identify and counter adversarial negotiating techniques, safeguarding your interests while fostering cooperation. What are the learning outcomes of this course? Understand the fundamentals of negotiating and the benefits of negotiating for win/win outcomes Identify ways to seek and understand needs Explain actions that help negotiating win/win outcomes Illustrate ways to break a deadlock during a negotiation List ways to recognize adversarial negotiating techniques Embark on a transformative learning journey that will empower you to negotiate with confidence, integrity, and finesse. Enroll now and unlock the keys to achieving win/win outcomes in every negotiation scenario. Don't just negotiate; master the art of collaborative success! Enroll today to secure your spot at the forefront of negotiation excellence!