What is an ideal supervisor like? An ideal supervisor is someone who is a bundle of infinite time and knowledge that is unparalleled. In addition he is patient and offers constant support and understanding. However, am I talking of a utopian figure does that really picture perfect supervisor does exist? I think they do not, as after all supervisors are also human beings who are fallible and subject to similar competing demands from time and competition. Consequently, the scholar feels the missing support that he needs for completion of his or her work. What is the alternative source of support that a research scholar can seek from outside? One option can be the many online communities that offer a forum to discuss problems and find solutions to those problems with sometimes more than one options.
Sometimes to bridge the gap that is created by a non-supportive or uninvolved supervisor can be filled by the various consultancy services that are available. These are like those private mentoring services that can take care of your typical doctoral work concerns for which you may not be able to find solution elsewhere.
Other than seeking help from external sources, develop ways and tactics to handle the difficult traits in your supervisor by empowering yourself in ways that are necessary.
If your PhD supervisor has the trait of being indecisive, you need to be assertive and take charge of your project. Become a leader but also try to seek the reasons for which you feel your supervisor isn’t able to support you in making decisions.
Peer and other professors in the department can be a blessing when the supervisor isn’t. A hands off supervisor can be replaced by seeking help from others in the department, informally and training yourself to become an independent researcher. This strategy is a way to look at the solution rather than draining yourself by brooding over the problem all the time. Stay away from people who all the time make you feel like with a bad supervisor, “You can’t do it!” Take your thesis in your own hands and switch groups as remember end of the day it is your independent research and you got to take the charge and credit of it. However, always give the deserving chance to your supervisor to respond and stay involved. Remember to not shirk your duty as a scholar, in any case.
