PhD coaching should make us aware. PhD student supervisor problems are NOT unique to this working relationship. They are literally EVERYWHERE. Even in private settings. Therefore, relax, take some deep and prolonged breaths, and work at it for the long run. If you succeed in understanding many aspects of it, then you will benefit for LIFE.
There is no other relationship that would determine if you SUCCEED or FAIL in getting your PhD degree as your relationships with your supervisor. There are a plethora of good and bad articles out there on the net. Best if one selects a combination of them. First and foremost it makes good sense to go for factual and unemotional readings. Such readings base their analysis on scientific evidence such as this one Dealing with Student-Supervisor Problems. This approach would make sure your emotions are not driven mad by the writer deliberate intent to ride you high on the wave.
Then you can also dive in on sites where they talk about PhD student supervisor problems in a less scientific way. This is the case of this webpage on PhD problems. This second site is certainly less trustworthy than the previous one we looked at because it does not back up what it says with scientific published data. Additionally, it gives general suggestions to a number of issues without diving into the core of the relationship student/supervisor in the framework of education.
In our video, we decided to take a different stand. We have deliberately focused the attention on the ONLY thing that counts and that can make this relationship work. And that person is YOU.
PhD coaching is also about addressing the possible issues between PhD student and supervisor. While the responsibility to take actions to solve issues remains with the PhD; a skilled PhD coach can be an important source of wisdom. The coach can play the role of a sort of ‘friend’ to pass things through before they get implemented. An emphatic listener who wants you to succeed by avoiding unnecessary pain found along the way. After all, a PhD degree is also about learning how to manage relationships at work, by understanding both their nature and their dynamics.
A good start is also to have a think on what is MOST important in your daily activities. Then, act on it from now. Have a look at one of our previous video The TRIAD of Time, Energy, and Money and you will be amazed at how simple is to implement changes. PhD coaching will help students turning problems with their supervisor to their advantage. This is because there are some key parts that play in your favour. Just watch the video until the last second and you will discover how to reframe your mindset.
Now, let’s dive into this month giveaway. This present video looks at the important relationship between PhD student and supervisor. It gives some tips on how to manage it, in both good and less good times.
