Say that your department has just hired a smart, inspired, assistant professor. This person has a great education, is thoroughly knowledgeable about theory and methodology, and is genuinely enthusiastic about working for the department. As a department chair or other key administrator, what is the most effective way to fan the flames of this person's inspiration and long-term (post-tenure) research productivity?
Here's my short list:
1. Try not to demotivate them. Ability and intrinsic motivation are what my field call "substitutes for leadership." This person is unlikely to react positively to carrots and sticks, and they may diminish the person's creativity and effort. So, if you must have tenure, don't use it to attempt to drive the person harder. Also, don't use journal lists to evaluate their performance. Such lists are stifling to most researchers who love their work. And, above all, don't tie publication in journals on some list to things like teaching load. That will be seen as an attempt to manipulate them via negative outcomes.
2. Provide any and all valued resources. This means financial resources like internal grant funding, summer money, or support for a lab. It means other material resources like relevant software and hardware. And it means social resources like treating them with dignity and demonstrating a sincere concern for their well-being. Maybe have a beer with them and their colleagues once in a while.
3. If they hit a rough spot and need a litle emotional support, lead with values. Point to the immense value their teaching can have on students. Empahsize their potential to contribute to science. And, again, show genuine concern for them as a human being.
That's my short list. What's yours?
(NOTE: This is a companion question to my former one about crushing the soul of an assistant professor. Apologies for whatever confusion that question caused.)
The pursuit of knowledgebis the best way. Also teaching creates learning experiences not only for the taught but also the professor who is teaching. So go ahead and teach using innovative technology and innovative analogies.
Create a congenial environment,offer constructive feedback,avoid demotivating statements,offer a space and opportunity for them to express their concerns and most importantly give them time to understand their roles and discover thier full potential.
Asure that the added value is beeing noted and how that contribute for the research the person is envolved. Also give a perspective about the meaning of this specific experience will have in her's professional route.
A classroom of questioning students is enough
கேள்வி கேட்கும் மாணவர்களைக் கொண்ட வகுப்பறை ஒன்றே போதுமானது
The best way to feed the soul of an assistant professor is to provide conducive academic environment that would enable him contribute to academic excellence in his chosen field.
Another way of feeding the soul of an associate professor being a leader in the academic community is to give him ample opportunity to mentor young academics because as a leader without successor is a failure
Provide them with resources to be able to thrive in what they do. Offer support where needed and give constructive feedback. Most importantly give them space to perform and develop themselves further. Give credit where its due.
Interesting question and replies.
I assume that the foundamental value is to show him/her that he/she can contribute to the department and benefit.
It's important to show this person the prospects and challenges and encourage him to understand, yet express interests, vision, experience and ideas.
Pursue Your Passion. 2.Practice Self-Care.3.Foster Relationships.4.Find Meaning.5.Practice Gratitude.
Man is insatiable. No specific value last long.The best way to feed the soul of an assistant professor is to allow the creator of his soul to satisfy him.
Provide them with an enabling work environment and adequate resources. Also give them space to work and contribute within the organization. Welcome their opinion, innovations and creative ideas.
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