My previous blog post talked about why you need to please your supervisor. I said it was a practical thing, because it's your supervisor who controls your progress in your academic journey. Take a look at what I said:
WHY your need to please your supervisor
In this post I want to talk about the HOW of pleasing your supervisor. And let's be clear, I'm not talking about being subservient or obsequious. I'm talking about building a satisfactory relationship that is pleasing to both of you, so that your academic work progresses in a positive way. Here are four key tips:
- Start off as you mean to continue. As soon as your supervisor is appointed, be respectful, but also be open about what you're looking for. As an example, if you want to meet regularly in person, ask about your supervisor's availability and sign up for office visits. If your location or personal circumstances make it it difficult to meet in person, discuss alternative arrangements, such as Zoom meetings. Find out what your supervisor expects in terms of submitting drafts or having a presence in the department, and explain what you hope for. It should be a dialogue between two people who share academic interests.
- As the months pass, build the relationship so that when you meet it's not an encounter with a stranger. One of the best ways to do this is to attend department events where you can chat casually to your supervisor over refreshments. If you know you'll be at the same conference, make sure you spend time together, or sit close at mealtimes. Of course, avoid being a stalker, but take every opportunity to make sure you're seen as a colleague in various academic settings, and even at social events. After you graduate, you'll be academic peers, so prepare yourself for that on the road to graduation.
- Take a scholarly approach to your academic work. Keep on top of your research and submit papers when they're due. Be open about difficulties you encounter in your studies, and seek help with your methodology and writing your thesis. If your supervisor is over-burdened by university meetings, teaching and personal research, find ways to accommodate that, or even assist if possible. Try not to show your irritation if office hours are cancelled or your supervisor is slow to send feedback. Tips 1 and 2 will help if your relationship gets strained. Keep the lines of communication open in every way you can, while remembering that you are paying fees and supporting you is part of the supervisor's job description.
- Work with a coach if the problems are starting to overwhelm you. For example, if you need help with weaknesses in writing, or just don't understand what a theoretical framework is, then a coach can help to explain those things so you can show your supervisor your best work. If your supervisor's feedback lack detail and a frequent comment is "Fix that!" then a coach can help you interpret what that means. If you have problems managing your time and structuring your chapters, or if you need help addressing your anxiety over your lack of progress, then a coach can provide support. Just like World Cup soccer players, you're in the top league of the academic world, and a coach is a huge asset. I know a good one! Get in touch if I can help.