I have witnessed faculty pursue many different strategies to build a reputation.
I’ve seen dazzlers - who let you know they are very important & publishing in the right outlets.
I’ve seen authoritarians - who let you know they can crush you.
I’ve seen the humble braggers - who let you know their work is great.
I’ve seen the repeaters - who write on the same topic in the same genre - again & again - who let you know they publish many papers.
Some can do this & build a reputation. Most can’t.
The most reliable strategy isn’t a power or brag strategy; it’s simply being nice.
After two incidents, I realized the power of being nice as a #PhDstudent.
In the first, a senior person told me my work wasn’t great & left me a mess.
In the second, a senior person took time to coach me on how to fix a paper & helped me get better.
Both were genuine and had names you would know, like ‘Cher’ in my field, but the second has a far greater impact.
So I strive to be nice, even though I have my missteps, bc, like all academics, I have my sharp edges - but I try - bc I want to build a stronger community.
So what does being nice in academe mean?
First, let me say what it does not mean. It does not mean derogating or minimizing your ability.
It’s ok to be confident & proud of your work.
It also does not mean accepting others' bad behavior.
It’s ok to speak up when the context demands it.
Second, it does mean not derogating or minimizing the work of others.
We all work using different models & methods. Let peer review sort out what is good or not.
Unkind comments on published or presented work - outside the confines of providing feedback are unnecessary.
Third, it means supporting the work of broad communities interested in adjacent phenomena to yours or your field.
Don’t join a camp and stay open-minded.
I learn a lot by listening to work that is not like my own.
Fourth, it means supporting early-career scholars.
Help improve your field by participating in peer review, offer encouraging words, & give honest feedback.
Fifth, it means not pursuing minor conflicts.
Kissinger once commented that academics are mean bc the stakes are so small.
Small fights are not worth it - issue a bless your heart & save social capital for when you really need it - to address the more significant problems in your field.
Sixth, be positive.
I’m high on negative affect - so this can be a challenge.
When I consciously chose to look for the good, my work improved and my relationships with others did as well.
Finally, it means being attentive to the people around you.
Most people want to be heard and to know their views are valued.
If you listen & support, versus dazzle, crush or brag, you will build an enduring positive reputation & create a chance for real impact on your field.
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