Supervisor Relationships

Source: Toolbox Columnist: Dr Dave Filipović-Carter, Added By:

Doing a doctorate involves writing a form of book, of course. But it can very usefully involve writing another sort of book too - or at least composing one. But this book isn't about your research, so much as your process of doing it. And it only needs a readership of one! Let me explain...

Supervisor relations are a seriously important part of successfully completing a PhD. Poor relations are one of the major causes of prolonged registration, non-completion, or just lack of enjoyment of the process. And yet they can frequently go pear-shaped. Generally, this is for three reasons, which lead to one book:
The relationship is a complex one. It lasts a number of years, but is based on little or no prior contact in an equivalent environment (even if they did supervise your Masters dissertation). And it must evolve from you being an advanced student to being an independent researcher - from trainee to peer and colleague.

Supervisors are rarely expert supervisors. They're usually expert researchers, and possibly good teachers. But mentors, advisors, guides, supporters, and with good interpersonal skills..? Not so much. And there is little or no decent training offered to many of them in these areas. Plus, supervising you is a very small part of what is inevitably a very large workload for them.

And, you are the main person in this relationship, but are the least experienced.... Unless you've done a doctorate before! Yet, as the novice in the whole ball-game, you are the key player. It is your project, and you have to be the project manager. And in that context your supervisor is merely a resource that you need to manage.
Take these three things together, and the only surprising thing is how often these things work out well. In part, of course, that is because there are a huge number of excellent supervisors out there. And if you're working with one of them: Enjoy; learn from them; but, don't be complacent - even the best relationships need to be maintained.

But if you aren't working with one of these mythical creatures, then you need to take charge. And specifically, tell them how to be a better supervisor of you. Which means: Write the Book - the 'Handbook for How to Supervise You'. Let me guide you through some of its highlights:

Preface - This is a brutally honest book that dispels myths and replaces assumptions with understanding.
Ch 1. Appreciating that Your Supervisor is a human being.
Ch 2. Seeing things from their side of the desk / bench / wherever. (Including understanding their reasons for supervising you)
Ch 3. What You Need from Your Supervisor, which they can realistically provide
Ch 4. Where You Can Get Everything Else, that you Can't Get from Them

You get the idea... The key thing is to really identify what you need from them, then find a way to tell them exactly that. Will they buy it? Well, I've come across many not-so-good supervisors, but I've never met one who wanted to be like that, so if you offer them the Handbook of how to do a good job...

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