Writing a dissertation is a daunting task, but navigating the dissertation committee can be equally challenging. The committee is responsible for guiding and evaluating your work, but what happens when their opinions and expectations conflict? In this blog, we will discuss how to manage conflicting opinions and expectations from your dissertation committee.

Understand the Roles and Functions of Your Committee Members

Before you start write my dissertation, it is important to understand the roles and functions of your committee members. Your committee chair is responsible for guiding and supervising your work, while the other members serve in a mentoring capacity, offering constructive feedback on your writing and research. Knowing the roles and functions of your committee members will help you manage their expectations and opinions.

Communicate Regularly with Your Committee Members

Communication is key when it comes to managing conflicting opinions and expectations. You should communicate regularly with your committee members, keeping them up-to-date on your progress and seeking their feedback. This will help you identify any potential conflicts early on and address them before they become bigger issues.

Be Open to Feedback and Constructive Criticism

Your committee members will have different opinions and expectations, but it is important to be open to their feedback and constructive criticism. Remember that their feedback is meant to help you improve your work, not to criticize you personally. Take their feedback seriously and use it to improve your dissertation.

Find Common Ground

When your committee members have conflicting opinions and expectations, it can be helpful to find common ground. Look for areas where their opinions overlap and try to incorporate their feedback into your work. This will help you address their concerns while still staying true to your research.

Seek Mediation

If you are unable to resolve conflicts with your committee members, you may need to seek mediation. Your graduate program may have a process in place for resolving conflicts between students and faculty. You can also seek the help of a neutral third party, such as a dissertation coach or mentor.

Keep Your Committee Members Up-to-Date on Your Progress

One of the best ways to manage conflicting opinions and expectations is to keep your committee members up-to-date on your progress. This will help them understand your research and the direction you are taking. It will also help you identify any potential conflicts early on and address them before they become bigger issues.

Be Prepared to Defend Your Work

When you write your dissertation, you are expected to defend your work in front of your committee. This means that you should be prepared to answer questions and address any concerns they may have. Be confident in your research and be prepared to defend it.

In conclusion, managing conflicting opinions and expectations from your dissertation committee can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By understanding the roles and functions of your committee members, communicating regularly, being open to feedback, finding common ground, seeking mediation if necessary, keeping your committee members up-to-date on your progress, and being prepared to defend your work, you can successfully navigate the dissertation committee and write your dissertation. Remember that your committee members are there to help you, and their feedback is meant to help you improve your work. Good luck with your dissertation!