Research Administration Taskforce: Improving Relations and Procedures Paul Lekutai | Senior Contract & Grant Officer Office of Research, Sponsored Projects Administration University of California Irvine

The Project: My project is designed improve communication and understanding between departmental administrators and central administration in order to create a resourceful research taskforce focused on providing support for successful submissions

What prompted the need? Departments who are unclear on roles and responsibilities related to submission preparation. Poor communication among research administrators during the proposal development process Late submissions because challenges weren’t identified prior to deadlines Things we can do to eliminate confusion

5 Practices of Successful Leadership? How did I use the 5 Practices of Successful Leadership? I became the solution and not the problem by identifying the need for a task force designed to educate departments on how to prepare a successful submission and partnering with central to do so Polled colleagues in the central and department offices on what each needed In order to build a bridge to a successful submissions I clearly defined the need for a task force with and obtained leadership buy in to determine where the need was and how the task force could be utilized for ultimate success I am currently working to recruit peers by presenting the plan and engage them for feedback and input to make the task force functional and comprehensive Once I have enabled others to act, I will encourage the heart of those who have steaked a vested interest in the project by marketing and promoting the benefits of its use

Lead ME Program My Plan to Give Back I will become a future MINT in 2016 Continue on a pathway to become a Mentor I will continue to develop professional through continued volunteerism through NCURA

Lead ME Program What did I learn? I can be a leader without being the big boss. I have a mentor for life!!! Trust the Leader within (out with doubt).

Thank you! You gave me your time, the most thoughtful gift of all. Paul Lekutai | Senior Contract & Grant Officer Office of Research, Sponsored Projects Administration University of California Irvine