A PhD student recently asked about my biggest mistakes and how I overcame them.
I referred them to my Linkedin posts, noting that most were based on lessons learned from trial & error - mostly error.
I am an expert mistake-maker.
They responded that I write too much which were the ones that I deemed most salient?
So, if asked again, here they are.
Mistake 1. Failing to distinguish between colleagues & friends.
Academics use the word friendship loosely.
Usually, they mean colleagues - around for work-related activities but of limited support if you have a personal issue.
You can make friends away from work.
Mistake 2. Worrying about tenure.
Tenure is what it is.
Teach well, publish well, and learn the local rules.
That's all you can do.
I spent many years worrying about tenure, to my detriment.
Instead, focus on staying marketable. That way, if you don't tenure, you have options.
Mistake 3. Mistaking tenure is the right to comment on anything.
Tenure confers intellectual freedom.
Yes, you can express your opinions.
People get tired of hearing them.
They stop listening.
If you keep complaining, people will push back.
Use that freedom judiciously; then people will listen.
Mistake 4. Not speaking up soon enough on diversity & inclusion issues.
For too many years, I said nothing when people took shots at disadvantaged communities.
Frankly, I was not "woke" enough to get it or too busy surviving.
It's not an excuse. I'll work to expiate this sin for many years to come.
If you hear racist or sexist rhetoric, you can speak up.
If you are worried about reprisals, every Uni has a whistleblowers line.
Mistake 5. Growing too close to my first few PhD students.
You can have a great relationship with students, yet not get too close.
It's hard to assess someone that you consider a friend.
You can be kind, generous, & so on as an advisor.
But wait for friendship, after graduation.
Mistake 6. Staying in one place too long.
Some people stay at one school their entire career.
I needed to move much sooner - for professional growth & a fresh personal start.
I loved my students in the 16 years at my first job.
I should have moved six years sooner.
i have experienced tremendous personal growth bc of my moves.
So how to overcome them? Other than the in-line comments?
Two tips.
First, take some time to learn from your mistakes.
Focus on what you can change, what you can avoid, & how you can grow.
Second, practice self-compassion.
Academia is a complex, sometimes harsh, often forgiving environment.
Often, unless you are a #narcissist (academia has plenty of them), you are likely your harshest critic.
So forgive yourself, show gratitude, & be #mindful that if you grow, opportunities will come.
Best of luck.
We can build a better academy, if we learn & grow from our mistakes!
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