The Slings And Arrows Of Academe Essays Example

The chapter explores the challenges faced by trainees with the different head of faculties in many institutions of learning. The chapter also explores options for dealing with these challenges. The challenges faced by scientists include lack of funds; being overworked and not being rewarded are seen in our day to day lives. Most science departments heads lack interpersonal skills to relate to their subordinates, as well as the trainees. Trainees too are faced with various challenges, and if one is not patient enough they may give up on their training. Like in many institutions, there is a lack of shared objectives and common focus.
Trainees’ efforts are undermined not for scientific reasons but interpersonal relations reasons. Learning institutions should pay much attention to the way mentors interact with learners or trainees. Mentors should have good interpersonal skills to avoid delay of important projects and loss of good career opportunities by trainees. Trainers should recognize the significant role they play in the careers of their trainees and prepare themselves to offer professional guidance in a kind way. Mentors should be self-aware of their interpersonal skills and shun showing negative attitudes in presence of their trainees because trainees pick them up.
The mentor should learn his weakness and look up to correct or manage them especially if the mentor has intentions of pursuing a career in the corporate world. Trainees on the other hand despite the challenges and deficit behaviors they are exposed to should make them a learning process. They should not perpetuate the same wrong managerial techniques to the faculty members. Trainees can also play a role in keeping their mentors in check. For example, they can seek to be treated properly without being accusatory causing them to be appreciated for their courage and effort. The information shared is critical for both the trainees and mentors. The paper focuses on what can be done to mend mentor-trainees relations, for conducive work environments and increased success rates.