Over the last year I have been part of a mentorship development program offered through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) for the mentors of their Gilliam Fellows. Pravda Quiñones-Labernik, a pharmacology graduate student in my lab and Sarah Ferri’s lab, was awarded this prestigious fellowship in 2025. Mentors participate in monthly virtual training sessions and an in-person meeting, which I attended last week in Washington, D.C.

This structured program has connected me with an outstanding group of scientists across a range of disciplines who are all committed to thinking deeply about our impact on others and how we build community and support the people we mentor.

One element of the program that I have found particularly helpful is a set of “Engagement Principles” for our group sessions. From our first virtual meeting, I was struck by the immediate impact they had in bringing the group to a common focus. 

Engagement Principles

1. Listen to understand. The goal is not to agree; it is to gain a deeper understanding.
2. Give yourself permission to focus fully on the conversation topic or exercise at hand.
3. Keep in mind that people are in different places in this work. Assume that we will make mistakes.
4. Respect the privacy of each person’s identity and story. Talk about your own experience, but not about “who said what.”
5. Expect and accept non-closure and uncertainty. Lean into the process and let go of the need for quick solutions.
6. Be responsible for each other and encourage each other to follow the engagement agreements with gentle reminders.

Each of us was asked to speak briefly about which principle resonated most with us, which helped to clarify the perspectives people were bringing to the table. Number 5 really jumped off the page for me. I always benefit from a reminder that not everything is a problem to be solved immediately. 

I have started sharing these engagement principles in my lab and other group meetings and find that this practice allows people to set aside any issues they might be processing that aren’t related to the discussion and focus on moving forward together. 

Does one of these stand out for you? Are there other principles or norms you have you found meaningful in your collaborative work? Replies to this email come directly to me, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. 

Ted

April 2026