You're focused on long-term research impact. How do you address stakeholders pushing for quick wins?

Quick wins is a very common demand you get from stakeholders. Every time I embark on a project, I do the following: - Clear understanding on what stakeholders require. - Do logistical analysis and educate stake holders of work practicality. - Make realistic milestones - Keep the team motivated and create a work-life balance for them, so they do not lose themselves during the work. (Keep in mind, your team is your hands in the process) - Keep clear communication with the stakeholders throughout the project. - Last, give your fullest and be honest. Remember, TRANSPERANCY is the key to convince any stakeholder involved.

Another strategies could be to look for tasks or activities that provide both short-term outcomes and service longer-term objectives—i.e., meet immediate stakeholder need and long-term return on investment while satisfying "return on time invested". Moreover, putting realistic expectations in place about what can be accomplished in the short term before setting longer-term goals could be another solution so that misalignment doesn't occur down the line.

Stakeholders pressure to turnover research results is a daily aspect of the life of a research director, a post I have held. One is in a rock and a hard place. My approach was always to overcome the widely held idea that stakeholder live in the real world, you don't. You must have your own unique narrative to get your investor's attention-then an explanation of the time frames and matching amounts of money required, if you even can guess at these mysteries. Once there, the investor has a choice of going somewhere else or realizing you understand the reasons for urgency and the realities of producing viable results. The recent miracle of producing covid vaccines quickly is an example, thrown in my face-answer 20-25 years of cogent research.

Balancing long-term research impact with stakeholders’ desire for quick wins requires clear communication. Start by emphasizing the value of the long-term research and how it aligns with broader goals. Explain the risks of prioritizing only short-term results, which can compromise deeper, sustainable outcomes. Offer a compromise by identifying small, early milestones that can provide immediate value or insights. Keep stakeholders engaged with regular progress updates, showing that while long-term impact is the priority, there are short-term benefits being delivered along the way. This keeps everyone aligned and satisfied.