Teamwork is a really important skill in graduate school and life. I've been working on a long blog post with about working well with others, which I will post one day. One of my tips is this: Don't be a judgmental asshole.
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This is a great example of a comment that makes someone sound like judgmental asshole. This kind of comment has NO PLACE in public forum ESPECIALLY from a professor who has the power to fire and hire potential PhD students. He eventually deleted the tweet and apologized for his comments, but only after a strong backlash. (You can read more details on the controversy over at The Atlantic.)
We all have coworkers who say stupid things. I'm actually the queen of sticking my foot in my mouth, so I'm guilty of it as well on occasion. Still, I try to be really careful about how off-hand remarks are perceived in a professional setting, especially now that I'm a postdoc and grad students might look to me to lead by example.
A good rule of thumb is just don't be a dick or an asshole. Period. Just don't do it. If you catch yourself doing or saying something that comes across poorly, own up to it apologize. Then next time, maybe you'll think twice before you open your big stupid mouth.
The bottom line is that all people deserve to be treated with respect. Especially in academia, be especially kind and encouraging to those who come in a shape or size or color that is not already well-represented in your field. Diversity in STEM and higher academia in general is so, so important for inspiring creativity and innovation.
Check out the awesome new Tumblr: Fuck Yeah! Fat PhDs.
And while we're at it, can we cut it out with the carb-shaming already?
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| via BaguettesMeNot |
I love carbs and love everyone who also loves carbs. #truth
— KK PhD (@KK_PhD) June 4, 2013
In fact, if it wasn't for carbs I probably wouldn't have had the willpower to finish my dissertation. #truth #carbs #doctormuffintop
— KK PhD (@KK_PhD) June 4, 2013
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