Comments on: Scientists: Is Modesty the Best Policy?

By: James Seetoo

James Seetoo — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:08:35 +0000

This is something that I’ve worked with many people over the years, including scientists. IT’S NOT BRAGGING IF YOU DID IT. That’s not to say you should boast or embellish what you did but how in the world will an interviewer or for that matter, company or lab leaders who are not working directly with you know what you’ve done if you don’t let them know?

I’ll be commenting on that in my next blog.

Suffice it to say that you should always be truthful but if you led something, don’t give all the credit to your team. Rest assured someone is taking credit for your work then.

By: Sean

Sean — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:08:49 +0000

I sometimes wonder if young scientists miss out on opportunities because they’re doing what they’re ‘supposed to do’; they’re being too modest. I don’t mean to imply that they shouldn’t respect their mentors. Only that they shouldn’t limit themselves, solely, to one mentor’s expectations.

If you do what you are supposed to do, like everyone else, why would someone want to hire you? In this regard, you are not viewed as ‘special’. You don’t stand out. This is unfortunate because I believe that should be your aim.

I agree that confidence is critical when searching for a job. I’m sure if students/scientists work to develop their confidence, they will take greater initiative at in their projects.

Perhaps NOT taking any risks is the riskiest thing a person can do.

By: Peggy

Peggy — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:23:54 +0000

Confidence need not be boasting. Confidence can be shown by your body language, informing others of what you are now doing, and, most importantly, inviting a conversation, not a non-stop recitation of your accomplishments. Exhibiting a balanced, other-oriented attitude appropriate to each situation should make a positive impression.,

However, until mind-reading gets perfected, you really do have to let them know something about you. It is a balance between modesty and “boastingly” talking about yourself. Don’t downplay your accomplishments, or you risk exhibiting “false modesty.” Be true to yourself, but make sure it is your best self

By: Sally

Sally — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:04 +0000

Agree very much with Rita and Lisa, Mary. I tend to distrust anyone who talks themselves up, scientist or not. It may well come out of insecurity and lack of confidence. A quiet person is often more quietly confident than the noisy ones and people often sense that.

We have a saying in oncology – let the data speak for itself and shine from within.

That could just as well apply to people too :-)

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:43:38 +0000

I instinctively distrust scientists who are not modest.

Scientists who are confident about their work and their intellectual abilities don’t need to draw attention to either – it will show.

Scientists who make a point of promoting themselves are usually doing so out of a fear (or knowledge) that they are mediocre and that therefore their work and intellectual abilities will never merit praise.

By: Rita Lim-Wilby

Rita Lim-Wilby — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:15:45 +0000

Mary,

thanks so much for voicing this. Scientists who communicate their ideas, goals and abilities honestly and clearly will find their collaborators much faster. I serve my audience better by making it easy for them to grok me.

Rita