On one of my previous posts about whether junior faculty should be seen and not heard- commenter Bahrad left the following comment:
The absolute worst advice is the absolute “seen and not heard” one… If you *never* voice an opinion, then that will definitely be damaging when it comes to tenure. The key is to find a battle & make sure that your comments are as well-considered and informed as possible.
Also, and this is a particular challenge for female junior faculty – you have to formulate your comments in such a way that your ideas are clearly acknowledged as being from you, so that goodwill is reflected on you and not transferred to some other faculty member who jumps on your background. (Without seeming like an egomaniac, obviously, but the balance between arrogance and confidence is tougher for women in the still male-dominated social norms of faculty meetings.)
I agree with that first paragraph, and that pretty much sums up my approach in real life, for better or worse. BUT, I’m paying special attention to the bold text, and I know oh so well how that feels. Continue reading