E. Relationships Surviving and Thriving in Academia E. Relationships People in and out of your department will be an essential part of your success. Colleagues, students, and staff are all part of the culture in which you do your daily work. Good working relations with all of them are essential for collegiality, networking, and mentoring purposes.
Solid relationships are necessary for personal support and good health.
Should problems of stereotypes or harassment occur, you must be ready to address them while preserving as much of your support group's integrity as possible. It is important to include good health care as part of your support system. Develop a good relationship with a physician and keep appointments for regular checkups. Work with your physician on formulating a good fitness plan that fits your lifestyle. Working relations in your department Establishing good working relationships with other members of your department is easier in departments that are very collegial and more difficult in those that are less so.