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Committees ‐ Target the Right Ones and Work Strategically to Make Them Productive
Author(s) -
Topp Kimberly S.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.8.1
Subject(s) - work (physics) , dissent , public relations , curriculum , promotion (chess) , corporate governance , set (abstract data type) , productivity , phone , schedule , political science , business , computer science , management , engineering , law , economics , mechanical engineering , linguistics , philosophy , politics , macroeconomics , programming language
An academic has little time to sit alone contemplating the next experiment or course modification. Rather, the majority of our time may be spent in collaborative research projects, integrated curriculum meetings and governance groups. Through committees, you may be at the table with a professor who will vote on your promotion packet, or with a scientist role model with whom you would like to collaborate. Committee work, though necessary, can be time‐consuming and can significantly impact your career. With such high stakes, one must use strategy in choosing committees and work purposefully toward maximal productivity. Asking questions of the right people will provide guidance when you want to join or are invited to participate, and there are graceful ways to set your participation level or decline an offer. Once committed, it is your responsibility to help the members agree upon and accomplish group goals, and practiced skills will help you achieve consensus, engage the disinterested, quell dissent and maintain forward momentum. Due to the expansion of collegial networks and substantial costs of fuel and time, much business is now conducted through phone and video conferencing. Following 12 critical tips can help your group complete a project or committee assignment efficiently and on time. Strong committee membership documented in your curriculum vitae and references can accelerate your upward career trajectory.