Who are the leaders who create a failure-friendly research culture, and are convinced that it’s not only the outcome that counts but also the process? Let us introduce one of them: Psychologist Sabine Bergner, Associate professor, who researchers issues of leadership and entrepreneurship, and is the co-inventor of the “Fiasco Fest” party-workshop.
Here are her three answers to our three questions.
1) Which activities for contributing to a positive research environment are most important in your view, and what is your personal contribution to this cause?
In my view, a positive research environment grows from connecting with others and openly exchanging ideas, because collaboration often leads to thinking outside your own box. To foster such an environment, I try to stay open particularly to opinions and approaches that may not align with mine (at first), since they often challenge me to think more deeply and improve my work. In addition, I find it indispensable to openly talk and reflect about work-related setbacks and failures. Paradoxically, I feel that this enhances a work group’s strengths, commitment and resilience and puts things into perspective, especially for younger colleagues. Therefore, I try speaking openly about discouraging personal experiences within a group to create an understanding that it’s not only the outcome that counts but also the process.
2) What do you personally get out of your engagement as a mentor and supervisor?
Personally, I get a strong sense of reciprocity from engaging in a more collegial academic environment, because I like to believe in the idea that “what goes around comes around.” And since I am lightyears away from retirement, a collegial work environment is in my very personal interest! When I support others, share knowledge or invest time in collaboration, I often find that the same openness and willingness to help returns to me in meaningful ways. Another important benefit for me is the network and connection it creates. Both help me stay informed in a time when it is increasingly difficult to keep up with new developments and information on my own. Through regular exchange with colleagues, I gain insights, resources, and perspectives that I might otherwise miss. Overall, this engagement not only strengthens the community but also continuously enriches my own learning and professional growth.
3) What helped you the most in your own leadership development, and what would you suggest to others who are starting out on their leadership path?
What helped me most in my development was simply taking on leadership tasks whenever possible, because real experience quickly shows whether you enjoy leading and where your strengths and weaknesses lie. I also recommend openly sharing your experiences with others. This helped me realise 2 things: First, there are many different ways of approaching a single challenge and second, you are not alone with uncertainties! Another key step is understanding how universities and academia function as organisational systems - their dynamics, decision structures, and key players - so you can act more strategically. Finally, I find building connections essential, since leadership is never done in isolation and strong networks make challenges easier to navigate but also successes more cheerful to celebrate.
Thanks a lot, Sabine Bergner, for taking the time to answer our questions!
The Research Careers Campus Graz showcases people and networks which shape our research environment here in Graz - towards a more collegial, friendly and diverse academia, where all research talents can thrive. More here.
Picture credit: M. Feldbaumer
Interview: Johanna Stadlbauer, RCC, 16.2.2026