On coping with bad senior collaborators (or do you really want to make a deal with the devil?)
I recently had an early career collaborator fuss about a senior mentor.
The early career scholar had sought out the mentor for help finishing a project. They lived to regret it.
The "mentor" quickly moved from an academic angel to an academic devil.
Academic devils refer to senior or mid-career scholars who make unreasonable demands, send abusive messages, and undermine the confidence of their collaborators.
Academic devils come in two forms.
The more benign form simply free-rides on projects. They rarely deliver promised work. They demand co-authorship.
Usually, once a paper is published, they fade away.
The more pernicious form creates chaos. They require you work on their schedule, undermine your efficacy, and make unreasonable demands on your time.
Usually, once a paper is published, their influence lingers on - as they expect fealty in some form.
Be an academic devil benign or pernicious, they are to be avoided.
Fortunately, in 20 years as an academic, I have rarely encountered academic devils. Most scholars are decent people.
GIven they are rare, how do you detect a devil?
First, people treat them like Voldemort.
If people become uncomfortable when you utter their name, proceed with caution.
Second, they employ dazzling tactics.
If all they talk about are their papers & contacts, take some time to fact-check.
Some of the most "prolific authors" that I know, have not had a good paper in years.
Third, they don't know the content of their own papers.
If you ask a question about a ten-year old paper, most people will give you a blank look.
If you ask a question about a two-year old paper, they should know it's content.
If if you see these tells, you still don't know someone is an academic devil. They often seem really nice and reasonable people.
So what to do? To avoid devils? Or manage them?
First, before collaborating, ask around.
Note point one above. See if you can't talk to a recent collaborator and ask about the experience.
Second, set boundaries.
Answer email and work on a regular schedule.
If you always respond quickly, and outside of your normal routine, you make yourself vulnerable to abuse.
Third, assess the project.
If you realize your collaborator is a devil, ask yourself if it is important.
If it is, finish it then walk away. If not, walk away.
Fourth, keep your cool.
If you lash out, you've given the devil something to talk about. Don't.
Fifth, remember this is a long game.
Call your time working with the devil a learning experience. Learn what you can from it & move forward.
Most of all, if you have a bad experience, even if it leads to a top publication, ask yourself, is it worth the damage to your self-esteem to do it again?
In my experience, it is not. Don't make another deal with the devil.
Find people you love to work with.
Best of luck!
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