Is PhD on your mind? Have you begun with your research? Are you feeling like a solitary fighter?
Then you are obviously going through a turmoil as your supervisor appears cold and unapproachable to you.
Your relationship with your supervisor is crucial because you are dependent upon him for the coming 5-7 years. If your wavelengths match, then your supervisor will help you reach the maximum limits of your capabilities. On the other hand, a bad supervisor can ruin your research. Moreover, you might be more inclined to ditch your PhD in between.
This relationship needs to be strengthened and nurtured as it will highly affect the quality of your thesis. Follow these tips to get into the good books of your supervisor.
Never say never – “If there is a will, there is always a way.” No matter how far is your supervisor, always find ways to access him. Chase him to get your queries resolved. If you are stuck up somewhere, then do not hesitate to reach out to him by E-mail, WhatsApp, Phone call, Voice messages, Skype and even on other platforms like LinkedIn etc. Don’t stalk him. Just be polite and send a gentle reminder. He might show some indifference at first, but at some point of time he will yield and provide you with a feedback.
Break the ice – Invite him for an intimate dinner. You don’t have to book a table in a fancy restaurant. It can be at your home. You can cook some of his favorite dishes. Have some wine and talk about something unrelated to your research. Have discussions interested to your supervisor. Let him lead the conversation. You can further reinforce your relationship with him by following or adding him on any social networking site. Comments and likes once in a while on his account will make you come into his notice very often.
Look up to him – Pass an attentive ear whenever you have a conversation with him. Let him realize that how much you are interested in what he has to say. Instead of responding with the usual “hmmm” and “yeah alright”, ask him questions related to the topic of your discussion. This trick will always work. Your supervisor would always appreciate your keen interest and will guide you as per your needs.
Follow their advice – Whenever your advisors instructs you in a certain manner, you should follow it by default. You don’t have to argue or pinpoint flaws in his plan. Even if you have apprehensions regarding it, just follow it. If it works, you will earn the title of an obedient teacher’s pet, and if it doesn’t, then you obviously have nothing to lose. Your supervisor will have to gracefully accept his misassumption. In any case, your attitude will leave a deep effect on your supervisor. So, be cautious.