Article: “A more compassionate approach is something I learnt from CMI” Written by Caroline Roberts Thursday 18 December 2025 Share Share to LinkedIn Share to Facebook Share via email Dr Liam O’Connor CMgr MCMI, our Chartered Manager of the Week, says academic rigour, interpersonal skills and hands-on practical expertise are a winning combination “It’s been a major selling point for me,” says Dr Liam O’Connor CMgr MCMI, referring to his Chartered Manager status. As a lecturer in mechanical engineering (materials) at the University of Hertfordshire, Liam manages graduate and undergraduate students working on a variety of collaborative projects with industry partners. He believes that Chartered Manager status has enhanced his professional credibility when building relationships with external organisations. “Industry partners value academic expertise, but they also want to see evidence of effective leadership, communication and project management apart from a PhD,” he explains. “My CMI award helps demonstrate that I can operate effectively in practical contexts.” Clear and honest feedback Liam first encountered CMI towards the end of his doctorate at Queen’s University Belfast, when the graduate school offered the opportunity to gain a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. He already had considerable practical experience in managing cross-disciplinary projects and, upon completing the qualification, he applied for Chartered Manager status, receiving the award in March 2025. Are you a Chartered Manager with a story to tell? We’re always on the lookout for inspiring stories from our community of Chartered Managers. You could feature in an article on our website and in our member newsletter. Contact us Getting involved with CMI has had a significant impact on Liam’s leadership style, he says. Much of his own experience of being managed had involved an authoritarian approach, starting with his grandfather, who ran his own construction business. “When he retired, he bought a house to renovate, and we would go over in the school holidays and do what he called our ‘apprenticeship’. You’d be helping him fix a radiator, and if you passed him the wrong screwdriver, you’d get blunt, critical feedback. This kind of thing also happened a lot when I was working in the industry and undertaking my PhD,” Liam says. Exposure to a range of management styles during his CMI qualification, however, means he can now recognise and adapt to individual needs among his students. “A more compassionate approach is something I learnt from CMI,” he adds. “There are times we need to give clear and honest feedback to students who aren’t putting in the work, but now I really try to find ways to motivate them by highlighting the specific things they’ve done well.” Keep reading – more from Liam Login or register below for Free Instant Access Login If you are already registered as a CMI Friend, Subscriber or Member, just login to view this article. Confirm your registration Login below to confirm your details and access this article. Sign in with email Email remember me remember Forget? Please confirm that you want to switch off the "Sign in with email" remember me feature. Yes No Register for Free Access Not yet a Member, Subscriber or Friend? Register as a CMI Friend for free, and get access to this and many other exclusive resources, as well as weekly updates straight to your inbox. You have successfully registered As a CMI Friend, you now have access to whole range of CMI Friendship benefits. Please login to the left to confirm your registration and access the article. Article Our extensive range of articles are designed to keep you in the loop with all the latest management and leadership best practice, research and news. Members See More CMI Members have access to thousands of online learning and CPD resources. Learn more about our membership benefits Join The Community CMI offers a variety of flexible membership solutions, tailored to your needs. Find out more and get involved in the CMI community today.
