Katarzyna Riley is the head of the University of Lodz International Hub, which constitutes a contact point for international researchers and support throughout their stay at the university. On an everyday basis, she focuses on supporting processes towards greater internationalisation of the university.
Which aspects of your work/function do you appreciate the most?
I think that the little things I appreciate the most. For example, the expression of gratitude for help, a sincere smile, a good handshake or “a thank you note” form someone who I was able to help.
What do you consider as the most important impacts of your work (e.g. for science, for the scientific community, or for your team)?
A positive impact that I see at my job is helping people to meet other people who could help each other. So, for me, it is definitely networking and connecting with others inside and outside of our university. You never know if someone you meet will be able to assist in you in the future. What’s more building long-term relationships has proven for me to be vital in my career growth.
Do you think appreciation is important at work? And in which form? (e.g. in the team, or for the results of work)
Yes, absolutely because it makes us feel good and makes us want to work harder. Whenever I feel like I’m hitting a wall at work, I look at our testimonials, thank you e-mails and all the nice things that people have said about our service, and it reminds me that we’ve done a lot of good for our international research staff members.
What aspects of your workplace do you perceive as supportive in order to be motivated? (e.g., working with colleagues, facilities, work atmosphere)
Setting and achieving goals, clear expectations, recognition, feedback, ongoing training opportunities as well as encouraging management all contribute to an increase motivation in workplace. And motivation is a powerful energy. In my team, we encourage each other to be curious and challenge the status quo. We also focus on ensuring an environment of trust and openness, where we can feel safe and respected.
