(1) If acts of different people against one or two particular people in academics in a particular discipline within the same institution cannot, otherwise, be rationally explained, do they necessarily point towards the professional rivalry?
(2) What should those one or two hapless people do for carrying out research relatively peacefully, especially when things are getting worse day by day?
(1) Yes usually it leads to professional rivalry
(2) The best way out is to ignore them and believe in yourself.
Thank you so much, Professor Gupta for responding to my queries.
Regards,
Sarbajit Chaudhuri
Sarbajit Chaudhuri and Kausik Gupta
Do you really care about that and those people? I don't. They are essentially helping in disguise. So, we should be thankful to those poor fellows!!!
Professor Mandal,
You advise researchers to completely ignore those people on the ground that they are pretty ordinary and have been able to enter this noble profession because of Adverse selection.
Am I correct in understanding your answers?
Regards,
Sarbajit Chaudhuri
There is rivalry in every work that we do either in form of jealousy or competition. This does not mean that one should not lower up guard. Be strong and focused. Ignore on people who draws one back when one is so close to destination. Smile- is another way of defeating one's opponent.
Professor Ali,
I agree with you on the point that laughing at those poor (some of them clever too!) fellows is a good option.
Regards,
Professor Ali,
Another option is to privately confront the ringleader of the opposition. You might say something to the effect that the rivalry is beneath the two of you and wastes emotional energy that could be better used advancing the research in the discipline. I have found that individuals who engage in this type of behavior are essentially bullies who prey on those they perceive as weak. Your unemotional confrontations will likely be a surprise. Once you have given the individual the courtesy of a direct conversation, look for a public opportunity to simply smile knowingly as if you find his/her pretty mechanism amusing. "Kill them with kindness." Bullies thrive on fear and negative reactions. When you remove all evidence that they are getting to you, you take away their benefit.
Privately, work on being the best scholar you can. Also, network outside your institution. Look for inter-instutional opportunities for collaboration. This will make a name for yourself. University leaders look favorably on those who develop national and international acclaim. Your rival may be a big fish in a little pond, but you do not need to be bound by the pond.
I wish you all the best in your endeavors.
Insecurity dispenses rivalry! Rivalry is displayed by those who are insecure! Academics should be professional enough to share and care, not create avenues for competing against each other.
Develop a support system, maintain a positive stance and avoid those whose only focus is comparison and petty rivalry. Remember your mortality and do your best for the welfare of others every day. We lead by being an example.
1. Yes. Individuals display rivalry in all aspects of life. Rivalry and competiveness are natural processes especially for overachievers and underachievers who lack confidence and question their own merit.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Geoscience
- Asia
- India