One of the most important values of academia is the notion of civilized discourse–where one may disagree substantively with one’s colleagues, but the tone of interaction always remains civil. This is particularly important at an institute for advanced study, where scholars from many, often disperate, backgrounds come together. And no where is this idea more important than the case where there is an implied power relationship between two individuals: be it faculty and support staff, senior faculty and more junior faculty, or faculty and trainees.
While this ideal, may be impossible to always achieve, it’s important to strive for it–because our reputation rests on this aspect of our daily work life, just as certainly as it rests on our scientific achievements.
For myself, I try to think very carefully before I hit the email send button–no matter how tempting it might be to send off something that was composed in anger (or with hurtful sarcasm). But more importantly, I try to think how the other person that I’m interacting with might feel–this in both direct conversations and electronic communications. It’s that manifestation of “theory of mind” that I think is crucial to civil society.
None of us is perfect in this respect, but by being concious and aware of these interpersonal details, we create a better place to do our science.
Cheers,
Jim
Discoverers and Discoveries 