It would be:

Always prioritize people before projects



This one is counter-intuitive, at least for me, and I have come learn this one the hard way. I would definitely not call myself a people person (except perhaps… ahem… in an interview situation). I am far more interested in science than I am in people. Some label this Aspberger-ish type personality, which to my ears sounds slightly derogatory, so I call it a feature.

In fact, the vast majority of all great scientists I have met in my career have not been people persons. Au contraire. There are so many pseudo-scientists out there who talk the talk, but do not walk the walk. This post, however, is not about them. This one is about us.

To be specific, say you have the chance to do diploma or graduate work for two different groups, and both await your decision.



Group A conducts research in your favorite area. You have always wanted to do Group A science. Professor A, on the other hand, is an asshole. His students are afraid of him. He is a control freak and relies one a whole lot of micro management. The team members of Group A appear to be stressed out and depressed.

Group B is totally different. First of all, they research stuff you have never heard of before, and you feel uncertain if that is your thing at all. Professor B is a cool dude, though. He cares for the well-being of all his students. The team members of Group B never work nights and weekends, and they laugh and joke in the lab. Team B staff appear to be having a good time.

Go for group B – without a doubt.

I have wasted years in A-constellations and I have been fortunate enough to be part of B-teams several times. In hindsight, the decision was ridiculously easy. If only I had know about my simple rule:

Always prioritize people before projects