Post 22 - Helicopter supervisor

[@WeiWei-qx8vp]

13:00 5 strategies to handle the helicopter supervisor: 1. keep the emotions even, do not participate in their drama; 2. organise weekly with an agenda and an aim; 3. helicopters are frightened being found out they fabricate their competence; 4. grow up and take the responsibility, or find a strong co-supervisor; 5. log everything. Lucky that I have supply chain management experience, meaning I am good at customer service, time management, meeting, and schedule planning. Sometimes I think about writing an essay about: How to use customer service skills to manage your supervisor - imaging your supervisor is your customer😁

[@TaraBrabazonChannel]

Hi Wei Wei - thank you for being you! You are wonderful :) txxx

[@angelinebrown1432]

'Moves the student from rational and logical pathways to a chaotic and rational mess" - love the giggle as commentary @ 2:50. Thanks for your work, Tara

[@TaraBrabazonChannel]

Hi Angeline - I was so horrified by this content! But the bizarre strategies did press my irony button!!!! Hope you are fabulous, superstar! txxx

[@richardgale4827]

Fascinating and empowering.

[@nomandlovu2731]

Wow Tara! This installment is GOLD! As you know this was my lived experience and I had two of them. Honestly if I’d stayed in that environment I would not have my PhD. I’m forever grateful to you for responding with such care when I sought help and for selflessly facilitating a transfer to get me to the finish line. It’s really sad that helicopter supervisors are never called out in most cases because a student would rather leave than divert energy needed for the completion. More so when you take into account the dynamic of African culture which causes us to cower at the thought of questioning or challenging our elders/superiors. Keep doing what you do 💕

[@TaraBrabazonChannel]

Oh Noma - it is so wonderful to hear from you. I'd never considered that your situation was a 'helicopter matter'. But you are so right - and the pandemic allowed helicopters to not only function, but intensify their behaviour. Your thesis was absolutely amazing. The examiners loved it. And you deserved - and deserved - the best of support for your incredible career, research, and personal and professional example. You remain magnificent :) txxx

[@liza-dp4zn]

Thank you Dear Dr, Tara Brabazon for your help and support 😍🥰💞💐

[@TaraBrabazonChannel]

Always Liza. Always. txxx

[@amantedewarcry]

Actually in Serbia have specific system, that values more single authorship more than collegtive one.

[@TaraBrabazonChannel]

Great, great point. That is why we need these international conversations. Fantastic :) txxx

[@najmehalyasin4194]

How could they progress in academia? I just do not get it!

[@TaraBrabazonChannel]

Hi NA - I absolutely understand your horror at this. I've been feeling what you express each week that I am researching, writing and delivering these sessions. But we have to remember that these humans deliver on the metrics as they are currently configured. They deliver outcomes. When we all start to focus on process as much as output, these cultures will change. Together - we will do this... txxx

[@najmehalyasin4194]

@@TaraBrabazonChannel how do you always stay positive and motivated?!

[@urbandeepmapping3093]

Heartbroken - too late for me to use these strategies.

[@TaraBrabazonChannel]

Good morning UDM. I am so so so so sorry for what you have experienced. The helicopters are dangerous - they drain life from us. You survived. That is a huge achievement. And UDM - it is NEVER too late. Never. The clock keeps moving - so do we. The clock and our lives do align - in really unexpected ways. Biggest hug to you. txxx