Since there has been quite a few incident, I like to throw something out if
folks would be interested in a constructive discussion.
There are several nice responses to ● 求建议，被中国实验员到老板那告
了一状
Such as o00o, nowhere7, realtimepcr etc on how to be a lab citizen and how/
when to pick a fight...
Sunnyday, Jacinta etc on how to fight once one has already picked one's
fight...
As a case study, now I like to throw things out in a more systematic manner:
I assume LZ is a postdoc(for a student, it could be a bit different)
Before you decide to fight: ask the following questions:
1: Is it worth a fight?----a new postdoc fight with an old tech/lab manager,
give me a break unless in very exceptional cases...
2. Is there an unresolvable interest conflict?--I don't see why a 15 ys old
tech/lab manager would have much interest conflict with a new postdoc...
Something could be wrong somewhere else...
3. Is it an alternative way other than fight?----how about invite her to
have a lunch or tea/coffee break, and talk things over in candor...seek her
advice and help to do well in the lab...also do apologize to her if u have
done anything even remotely not professional or respectful...Sometimes young
/new bees really don't know what consists of a good lab citizenship and that
could annoy an old tech/lab manager a lot...and don't assume it is ok for
old folks, so it is ok for you...it is not....
4. Can you win the fight?----As far as I could see, there is no winning
outcome for a postdoc in a fight with an old tech/lab manager
5. Will you lose in a long run?---again, even if LZ wins, like what he/she
thinks now, you might have lost more: e.g: the boss could think you are not
capable to handle a situation like this independently(thinking about your
future letter)...in a bull lab, you never bother the big boss with things of
this kind...it would be ridiculous unless it is a huge matter...and what
about the rest of the time LZ will stay in the lab---with a lab enemy who is
an old tech/lab manager? think it twice!
6. Are you in a position to fight?---Have you proved yourself or have the
boss's trust or favor etc etc...Or are you sharing the fault or part of the
problems? ...
7. What about your boss?
8. What about the other person?
9. What about your exit plan?----Even if you win without any potential loss,
what would be your exit strategy as any business plan would require...
etc etc etc
After one goes through these questions, one could come to the following
conclusion:
A: it is all trivial stuff, no biggie, shall resolve it in a better/
alternative way...
B: what's wrong with myself---I could have done better, or why would I want
to fight with a lab tech?...do better and be happy and successful in the lab;
C: What's wrong with the tech?---but let's ignore her and but hopefully stay
peace with her, try to be happy and successful in the lab; Or I cann't
take it, I'd better leave...
D: What's wrong with the boss?---Is it time to think of quitting or exiting
strategy...
etc etc
