Chapter 8

Handling interpersonal and departmental dynamics

This chapter offers a view on successfully navigating interpersonal and departmental dynamics in your pre-tenure years (and beyond). It frames the discussion in terms of service, teaching, and scholarship as well as other key aspects of departmental life. The chapter provides a candid and practical assessment of the requirements and expectations in these three major areas of junior faculty performance evaluation and offers insights not typically found in departmental manuals. Making good choices with your time and how these choices will impact your progress toward tenure is a common theme running throughout the chapter. Specific illustrative examples of many of the hazards junior faculty may face are provided and concrete suggestions for avoiding these situations are offered.