**
It speaks to Google's findings in Project Aristotle - the biggest contributor to team performance is psychological safety. Stresses cortisol shuts our brain down focusing on a single solution. You don't need to be creative when outrunning a bear, you need to run fast and find an escape.
Safety, on the other hand, opens our minds to creative solutions. We feel ok goofing around, suggesting totally off the wall solutions that would never work, but are often the heart of really cool answers we never would have thought of.
As leaders we have to think of that when working with teams. If you're using fear and anger to motivate, you're hurting you're teams creativity and productivity.
When you assume they want to do well, and focus on creating the right tools and environment for that, everything changes.
Safety, on the other hand, opens our minds to creative solutions. We feel ok goofing around, suggesting totally off the wall solutions that would never work, but are often the heart of really cool answers we never would have thought of.
As leaders we have to think of that when working with teams. If you're using fear and anger to motivate, you're hurting you're teams creativity and productivity.
When you assume they want to do well, and focus on creating the right tools and environment for that, everything changes.
Leonardo da Vinci loved quality over quantity.
He didn’t write paintings in quantities like we write #research papers today.
He always invested time, craft and artistry into each of his masterpieces.
For example, Mona Lisa took at least 4 years to paint and (most probably) another 10 years of refining.
It was ordered in 1503 by a cloth merchant Francesco del Giocondo, who asked for a portrait of his wife, Lisa. But Leonardo was a slow worker and finished the painting quite late. At that time, he started to work for the King Francis I of France, so apparently Leonardo gave the painting to the King as a gift.
Now, imagine he would have been ‘producing’ 10-20 paintings a year.
Moreover, imagine he would have hired younger painters and, without investing time into their training, asked for drafts? Just to turn painting into a “printing machine”.
Would his work have stayed in history for 500 years?
‘Quality over quantity’ goes well beyond #science.
It’s in art.
It’s in #engineering.
It’s everywhere.
Don't publish for the sake of publishing.
Quality over quantity. Even if the academia pushes you into the opposite direction.
It’s what makes us, the humankind, progress and prosper.
And this is what helps you stay in history.
#phd #students #chemistry #university #scienceandtechnology
He didn’t write paintings in quantities like we write #research papers today.
He always invested time, craft and artistry into each of his masterpieces.
For example, Mona Lisa took at least 4 years to paint and (most probably) another 10 years of refining.
It was ordered in 1503 by a cloth merchant Francesco del Giocondo, who asked for a portrait of his wife, Lisa. But Leonardo was a slow worker and finished the painting quite late. At that time, he started to work for the King Francis I of France, so apparently Leonardo gave the painting to the King as a gift.
Now, imagine he would have been ‘producing’ 10-20 paintings a year.
Moreover, imagine he would have hired younger painters and, without investing time into their training, asked for drafts? Just to turn painting into a “printing machine”.
Would his work have stayed in history for 500 years?
‘Quality over quantity’ goes well beyond #science.
It’s in art.
It’s in #engineering.
It’s everywhere.
Don't publish for the sake of publishing.
Quality over quantity. Even if the academia pushes you into the opposite direction.
It’s what makes us, the humankind, progress and prosper.
And this is what helps you stay in history.
#phd #students #chemistry #university #scienceandtechnology
(edited)
Science/research and discovery is inherently incomparable to art. There was no one trying to "discover" same Mona Lisa painting at the same time as da Vinci was painting it. Any art work has an inherent potential for uniqueness. But discovery is not the same. There was only one gravity for Newton to discover. And if Newton was waiting for 4+10 year to craft and refine it, the laws would not be know as Newton's laws!!
There is inherent competitiveness and time constrient in science. But I agree with the main message. There must be a balance between quantity and quality. Even, quality must be favored. But on the other hand, how do you define quality? Currently, quality only means high impact journals, which leads to a lot of "scholarly bulshit".
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43615-022-00175-9
There is inherent competitiveness and time constrient in science. But I agree with the main message. There must be a balance between quantity and quality. Even, quality must be favored. But on the other hand, how do you define quality? Currently, quality only means high impact journals, which leads to a lot of "scholarly bulshit".
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43615-022-00175-9
1 Reply1 Comment on Mohammad Hamdi’s comment
1. Calculus: "Between 1664 and 1666, he asserts that he invented the basic ideas of calculus. In 1669, he wrote a paper on it but refused to publish it. He wrote two additional papers, in 1671 and 1676 on calculus, but wouldn’t publish them. In time, these papers were eventually published."
(https://www.wondriumdaily.com/invented-calculus-newton-leibniz/#:~:text=The%20controversy%20surrounds%20Newton%27s%20development,but%20refused%20to%20publish%20it)
2. Newton's laws of motion:
"Newton's reawakening interest in astronomical matters received further stimulus by the appearance of a comet in the winter of 1680–1681. After the exchanges with Hooke, Newton worked out a proof that the elliptical form of planetary orbits would result from a centripetal force inversely proportional to the square of the radius vector. Newton communicated his results to Edmond Halley and to the Royal Society in De motu corporum in gyrum, a tract written on about nine sheets which was copied into the Royal Society's Register Book in December 1684. This tract contained the nucleus that Newton developed and expanded to form the Principia.
The Principia was published on 5 July 1687"
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton)
(https://www.wondriumdaily.com/invented-calculus-newton-leibniz/#:~:text=The%20controversy%20surrounds%20Newton%27s%20development,but%20refused%20to%20publish%20it)
2. Newton's laws of motion:
"Newton's reawakening interest in astronomical matters received further stimulus by the appearance of a comet in the winter of 1680–1681. After the exchanges with Hooke, Newton worked out a proof that the elliptical form of planetary orbits would result from a centripetal force inversely proportional to the square of the radius vector. Newton communicated his results to Edmond Halley and to the Royal Society in De motu corporum in gyrum, a tract written on about nine sheets which was copied into the Royal Society's Register Book in December 1684. This tract contained the nucleus that Newton developed and expanded to form the Principia.
The Principia was published on 5 July 1687"
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton)
Nice perspective. Not aplicable. We all know that there should be merits for evaluation in every field of occupation. Somehow it is agreed that “Nature” journal is a good one and others, lets assume a random “Cowboy chemistry” is much less reputable one, so why out of 100 publications 80 are published in a Cowboy chemistry? Its a pressure! And as long as it exists - you will be evaluated by number of publications and number of cytations. Unfair but thars a life. As a PI you can try it yourself- set as a goal publishing Nature-level (or similar reputable journal, lets set it to IF 30) as a first or corresponding author or nothing, and in 3 years you most probably will share “Open to work” status in your profile. Its is super sad, but true sometimes you have to deal with compromises to float above the sea level.
1 Reply1 Comment on Alexander Trifonov’s comment
Love this Andrew Akbashev but at the ground level, the pressure to publish is so enormous. Faculty/researchers find it very difficult to navigate through conversations with administrations about the balance between quantity and quality. How do we support them better, when the whole system is targeting higher numbers of papers? If not publications, then what metrics do we employ for assessments, say for instance to determine promotions?
3 Replies3 Replies on Dr Sowmiya Rani Ph.D.’s comment
It’s a systemic problem, hard to solve without changing everything. My position - we must start with our own labs being consistent in quality. Many tenured professors can do it. After that, tenure-track faculties will follow. Later, that can bring in the policy changes if needed.
Funders should rely more on the reviews from experts and not the CV of the candidates.
Unfortunately, we are still far from it (although certain progress is happening, I can see it, and partly because we are raising these issues on social media, in scientific articles and at seminars).
Funders should rely more on the reviews from experts and not the CV of the candidates.
Unfortunately, we are still far from it (although certain progress is happening, I can see it, and partly because we are raising these issues on social media, in scientific articles and at seminars).
Nice visualization Andrew Akbashev! This issue should be discussed more. I also share my previous post's link for those who are interested in the "Quality vs. Quantity" issue: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fatih-gulec-aab05b87_shallowness-in-academia-quality-or-quantity-activity-7035355438774718464-8430?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
1 Reply1 Comment on Fatih Gulec’s comment
(edited)
Completely agree - I learned this from my PhD advisor, who lived this value to his core. When you have high standards for what you say in a publication, people pay attention to what you're saying.
I once came into his office panicked about getting scooped after attending a conference, and asked if we could push our paper out earlier than planned. I still remember his words: "It's good to be first, but it's better to be right."
I once came into his office panicked about getting scooped after attending a conference, and asked if we could push our paper out earlier than planned. I still remember his words: "It's good to be first, but it's better to be right."
3 Replies3 Replies on Austin Sendek’s comment
Austin Sendek , totally agree with the quote!
.......better to be right! Such valued words Austin!
Keep talking, but feel free to tell these to grant committees and prof of the top 10 engineering unis.
2 Replies2 Replies on Ata Golparvar’s comment
Ata, told it many times. And I was told this also many times by those profs. Many of them do their best to pursue quality over quantity, especially in physical sciences and engineering (although not everyone and not perfectly).
Good job keep doing it, you will change the world in, let's say, 10 years, but some of us still need to find a job in the next couple of years... so, sorry but sorry.
Do you feel ‘Quality over quantity’ is practical for PhD students who have limited time/support to get the degree?
1 Reply1 Comment on Abdullah Al Raqibul Islam’s comment
Abdullah, nope. But for professors and funders - definitely!
I am an optimist thinking that quality will always be appreciated. However, in business it's often the speed of the deliverable that matters the most.
1 Reply1 Comment on Dina Stretiner ’s comment
Dina, yes, but it depends on the business and product type. Low quality doesn’t live long when competition hit hard.
True! But unless you are the PI, it is almost certain you can't change the exsting lab's research approach and ecosystem. Sad but its the reality!
1 Reply1 Comment on Hritwick Banerjee’s comment
Epic post...as always!!! I really hope academia will realize and promote this quality papers over quantity of papers soon.
1 Reply1 Comment on Aswin Gopakumar’s comment
(edited)
Completely agree with you Andrew Akbashev. But this cannot be changed.
1 Reply1 Comment on Dr. Manikandan Murugaiah’s comment
Dr. Manikandan Murugaiah, it can! Everything changes as long as there is pressure.
Wonderful words sir.
But can we think a little differently sir! Afterall every other human being has different perspectives.
Leonardo da vinci was gifted sir. So now if I talk about someone hardworking, she/he would have scribbled a thousand paintings and presented it at many places, everytime she/ he got criticism, and then at last a masterpiece was born.
Can an academic publishing be like that ? Though we are too naive in the field of research, still if u see our first published meta analysis anyone will find atleast 50 flaws in it, now when we are at our 4th one at the verge of publishing within a very short span of time, u will appreciate the gradual change for good.
So, can quantity while striving for continuous improvement be another good way!
But can we think a little differently sir! Afterall every other human being has different perspectives.
Leonardo da vinci was gifted sir. So now if I talk about someone hardworking, she/he would have scribbled a thousand paintings and presented it at many places, everytime she/ he got criticism, and then at last a masterpiece was born.
Can an academic publishing be like that ? Though we are too naive in the field of research, still if u see our first published meta analysis anyone will find atleast 50 flaws in it, now when we are at our 4th one at the verge of publishing within a very short span of time, u will appreciate the gradual change for good.
So, can quantity while striving for continuous improvement be another good way!
Interesting!
I couldn't agree more, quality indeed triumphs over quantity. It is interesting to think how today's pressure to constantly produce might impact the long-term value of our work. Do you think there are ways we could foster a more Da Vinci-like approach in today's fast-paced academic environment?
Not all can afford da vinchi.
Quality s fit for purpose
Quality s fit for purpose
Producing 10-20 paintings a year...that was Rubens. He was highly successful with a swarm of postdoctoral apprentices refining the works...sounds familiar?
In general how many papers are required for getting a decent salaried job as an assistant professor after PhD ..!!
for example -2BHK flat & own 4 wheeler
for example -2BHK flat & own 4 wheeler
Thank you for sharing your views. I liked your perspective.
Very true Imran AKCA-AVCI thanks for sharing
"Couldn't agree more! Leonardo da Vinci's timeless masterpiece stands as a reminder that true success lies in the dedication to quality, rather than rushing to produce quantity. Let's embrace 'quality over quantity' in all areas of life for lasting impact and progress. hashtag#Inspiration hashtag#QualityMatters "
True, but the pain starts when business / corporate and skeptical funding agencies get involved in the effort. Things become rough since that point, as we need to be accountable for every micro-step to them :)
Always quality over quantity. The publication frenzy needs to stop. Damages science
Totally agree
Bringing humour in the critical thinking picture +1
Verily!
Feed post number 8
Tara Walker loves this
In this analysis, we will examine the concepts of race and power in the United States, as well as the delicate nature of addressing systemic racism.
Whiteness in America has long been explicitly socialized, leading to discriminatory treatment of other races and perpetuating systemic racial inequalities. This phenomenon can be further understood through the lenses of white fragility and the lack of accountability surrounding the acceptance of the white supremacy problem
From the very beginning, the United States has been shaped by the notion of whiteness. Immigration policies have favored white Europeans, exclusionary practices in housing and employment have oppressed diverse communities, and racial hierarchies have been ingrained into the foundations of our country. This privilege has perpetuated disparities for example in access to resources, education, and justice. It's time to acknowledge the impact this has had on our society.
Understanding and recognizing white fragility is crucial in our pursuit of change. White fragility refers to the defensiveness shown by individuals when confronted with discussions about race. This fear of losing privileges or having their racial identity challenged creates a hostile environment where open dialogue about racism is stifled. We must challenge this fragility and foster an environment where these difficult discussions can take place. ?
Additionally, the lack of accountability regarding white supremacy exacerbates the problem. Many white individuals deny their complicity in upholding systems of privilege and dominance. This denial only perpetuates racial inequalities, denying marginalized communities the validation and justice they deserve. It's time to hold ourselves and others accountable for their actions and work towards dismantling these oppressive systems.
I wholeheartedly reject the victim mindset associated with being a black man in America. I genuinely understand the concept of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. My objective is to address the policies that have provided certain communities with an excess of resources while others are desperately in need.
Let's continue the conversation and drive meaningful change. ?
#civicengagement
#policychange
Whiteness in America has long been explicitly socialized, leading to discriminatory treatment of other races and perpetuating systemic racial inequalities. This phenomenon can be further understood through the lenses of white fragility and the lack of accountability surrounding the acceptance of the white supremacy problem
From the very beginning, the United States has been shaped by the notion of whiteness. Immigration policies have favored white Europeans, exclusionary practices in housing and employment have oppressed diverse communities, and racial hierarchies have been ingrained into the foundations of our country. This privilege has perpetuated disparities for example in access to resources, education, and justice. It's time to acknowledge the impact this has had on our society.
Understanding and recognizing white fragility is crucial in our pursuit of change. White fragility refers to the defensiveness shown by individuals when confronted with discussions about race. This fear of losing privileges or having their racial identity challenged creates a hostile environment where open dialogue about racism is stifled. We must challenge this fragility and foster an environment where these difficult discussions can take place. ?
Additionally, the lack of accountability regarding white supremacy exacerbates the problem. Many white individuals deny their complicity in upholding systems of privilege and dominance. This denial only perpetuates racial inequalities, denying marginalized communities the validation and justice they deserve. It's time to hold ourselves and others accountable for their actions and work towards dismantling these oppressive systems.
I wholeheartedly reject the victim mindset associated with being a black man in America. I genuinely understand the concept of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. My objective is to address the policies that have provided certain communities with an excess of resources while others are desperately in need.
Let's continue the conversation and drive meaningful change. ?
#civicengagement
#policychange
yeah, acknowledging the truth, isnt self-hating. Not hardly.
and I love how she speaks on her experience. She's nailing it! Speaking on her observations of wht fragility. Yeah, this is exp of most of my wht friends. And love them for calling out the BS 'faux' fabulousness of the wht power structure.
think of these stories need to be told publicly, so blk ppl can see and understand the 'mind of an ally'. Most dont hardly have wht supremacist views, and hate the ones who do and will speak up... when its safe for them to do so. She here is saying, her own kind is attacking her for merely... calling out the bs and speaking the truth.
so think of it, like how cops turn on 'the snitch' who wants to be ethical and 'out' the criminality of the police force. Well, now u see why there's that 'blue wall of silence', because its not always safe to speak up...
and I love how she speaks on her experience. She's nailing it! Speaking on her observations of wht fragility. Yeah, this is exp of most of my wht friends. And love them for calling out the BS 'faux' fabulousness of the wht power structure.
think of these stories need to be told publicly, so blk ppl can see and understand the 'mind of an ally'. Most dont hardly have wht supremacist views, and hate the ones who do and will speak up... when its safe for them to do so. She here is saying, her own kind is attacking her for merely... calling out the bs and speaking the truth.
so think of it, like how cops turn on 'the snitch' who wants to be ethical and 'out' the criminality of the police force. Well, now u see why there's that 'blue wall of silence', because its not always safe to speak up...
I will disagree with her on the “fragile” part. What you see when some white ppl are confronted about ANYTHING is not fragility. It’s violence. The tears… violence. The anger… violence. Calling it fragility is is a cop out and more white supremacy.
11 Replies11 Replies on Melanie Gaskin, MSc.’s comment
Hmm. Can violence not stem from fragility? Yesterday I was on Instagram and saw a video of a brother and a sister mostly play fighting. Once the sister had dominated her brother he got upset, started crying, and jumped up and shoved her hard AF. Thoughts?
Absolutely…..
Chronic stress can have a profound impact on our physical health, and it's essential to understand and manage its effects......
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Weight gain is often associated with emotional eating, which can be a coping mechanism for stress. Finding healthier ways to manage stress, such as engaging in physical activities, seeking social support, or practicing mindfulness, can help prevent weight gain and promote overall well-being......
Sleep disruptions are a common symptom of chronic stress. Establishing a consistent sleep routine, creating a relaxing environment, and practicing relaxation techniques can improve sleep quality and break the cycle of stress and sleep disturbances.......
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It's important to remember that everyone responds to stress differently, and it's essential to find stress management techniques that work best for us as individuals. Prioritizing self-care, seeking support from loved ones or professionals, and incorporating stress reduction practices into our daily lives can help us lead healthier, more balanced lives.....
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One thing I realized is that everything always ends up working out….
Sometimes even better than you can imagine……
The Nabeel Khan ( Atty ) ??
Post Status Let Knowledge Drop ?
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