3 ms·

Uh, fuck that? Seriously, why not the group that funded the research, or society at large? “You don’t get the credit, because I enabled you to find it, so I g

by dfee 7y ago

Uh, fuck that? Seriously, why not the group that funded the research, or society at large? “You don’t get the credit, because I enabled you to find it, so I get to claim it as mine.” At best, that person should be a note in the colophon. And if the rewards structure is broken so the lab manager isn’t viewed as “doing his job” if his name isn’t on enough breakthroughs - specifically because the people he oversees the hiring and firing of are instead getting the credit - then /that/ is broken. What’s not broken is crediting a teenager for finding something interesting. And, to be fair, it’s only really interesting because he (a teenager with no experience) found it. So I’m even more concerned that the parent comment reflects science professionals’ insecurity.

93po 7y ago
To be fair, the interns and undergrads are doing what they're told. They're under the direction of someone telling them what to do. It's those instructions that led to the discovery.
- dfee 7y ago
  In that case, I extend my sympathies to the manager’s ego. And to be clear, I’m unaware of whether in this particular situation, the manager’s ego was bruised. So, I’m speaking to the general case where egos are bruised. The payout to an effective manager here is that his/her managed employees are empowered by his/her ability to empower them, and that’s his/her rocket-fuel. He/she runs an amazing team, which everyone wants to be a part of - and that stands on its own. Alternatively, demoralize the employees you manage at your own peril. I’ve watched both situations play out plenty of times. And, for better or worse, have been on both sides of that conversation. Selflessness and championing of your team over yourself has a funny way of translating to improved morale, success and longevity.

3 ms·

Uh, fuck that? Seriously, why not the group that funded the research, or society at large? “You don’t get the credit, because I enabled you to find it, so I g

by dfee 7y ago

93po 7y ago
To be fair, the interns and undergrads are doing what they're told. They're under the direction of someone telling them what to do. It's those instructions that led to the discovery.
- dfee 7y ago
  In that case, I extend my sympathies to the manager’s ego. And to be clear, I’m unaware of whether in this particular situation, the manager’s ego was bruised. So, I’m speaking to the general case where egos are bruised. The payout to an effective manager here is that his/her managed employees are empowered by his/her ability to empower them, and that’s his/her rocket-fuel. He/she runs an amazing team, which everyone wants to be a part of - and that stands on its own. Alternatively, demoralize the employees you manage at your own peril. I’ve watched both situations play out plenty of times. And, for better or worse, have been on both sides of that conversation. Selflessness and championing of your team over yourself has a funny way of translating to improved morale, success and longevity.