Since this is a product magazine, our focus is always on technology in one form or another—some of it designed to replace people in laboratories. Last month, my editorial mentioned the January LabAutomation conference, where a variety of new robotic systems to replace lab workers were unveiled.

As we all know, one reason that lab automation is growing is the shrinking pool of laboratory professionals who are leaving jobs in droves, either to retire or to find more satisfying and lucrative positions elsewhere. Of course, lab automation will, over time, cost less than hiring, training and retaining good employees. However, there is no denying that competent people are the heartbeat of all businesses, including clinical labs.

Years ago when I was a business feature writer, my editor told me that every business story, no matter how technical, should have a heart. This seemed like a contradiction in terms at the time, but I have come around to his way of thinking, and apparently I'm not alone.

CLMA's ThinkLab '07, scheduled for March 24-27, in Houston, is bringing back its highly popular Betty Martin Executive Leadership Track, in which former CLMA Executive VP Robert H. Moran, who is overseeing the program, addresses a plethora of humanistic ideas for laboratory leadership in 2007.

In the seminar, Moran will lay out what he says are the three most important areas of competency for leaders in the lab industry today: authenticity, which he defines as people who are "comfortable in their own skin"; emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy; and communication skills, which send a clear and resounding message about candor, openness, and commitment to transparency.

In addition, CLMA ThinkLab '07 will include a workshop called "Crucial Conversations," designed to increase performance, quality, productivity, and teamwork by communicating openly with employees and getting their buy-ins for organizational changes and new business developments.

To find out more search for "lab automation" in our online archives.

The implication of the programs to be presented at ThinkLab '07 is that, even with technology moving along at record speed, clinical labs will always need people, and one way laboratory leaders can keep the good employees and thus improve the bottom line, is to develop their own sensitivities and communication skills. The way I see it, such practices give any organization a heart.

Hope to see you at ThinkLab.

Cheryl Woodruff