Bad news: Academia may indeed reward constructive work
By Thoreau
In my first year I volunteered for a university committee relevant to something I emphasize in my teaching. I had no illusions that I would do much good or have much fun, but I figured that if I volunteer for something that’s actually sort of kind of relevant to me they’d refrain from pressuring me to get more involved in service.
And that worked for a year, in terms of keeping the pressure off. And I behaved myself in committee meetings: I didn’t speak up too much or ramble, I tried to just offer a few constructive suggestions but otherwise stay out of it while other people blathered on, and the closest I ever came to contributing to a report was when I edited a spreadsheet to analyze the data from a different angle.
Apparently they’re all very impressed by my good behavior and input, and I have been unanimously nominated to chair the committee.
Sh!t. I thought that the only people who got leadership positions were those who played the games. I figured that by avoiding the games but being occasionally constructive I’d avoid any sort of responsibility and keep myself out of trouble.
My plan for the next committee meeting is to engage in various acts of character assassination, political maneuvering, and jockeying for funds. I may read them excerpts from my 1200 page manifesto, and suggest that we make it a required reading. If I play my cards right, they’ll get fed up with my nonsense and never again put me in charge of anything.
OK, I won’t actually do that. But I want to.
Comment by Barry —
November 17, 2008 @ 12:38 pm
” I may read them excerpts from my 1200 page manifesto, and suggest that we make it a required reading. ”
Thoreau, don’t try to compete with Evul Inglish, Litrachur or Filletsophy professors in long, boring righting. They’re the Mad Scientists of that field.