Winning the Games Scientists Play (Paperback)

by Carl Sindermann (Author), Carl J. Sindermann (Author) "Maneuvers associated with senior authorship; how and when to give credit to others; rules of the road in a "publish or perish" environment; reviewing the..." (more)
Key Phrases: scientific game playing, scientific strategists, session chairperson, United States, Fundamental Rule, Maximum Publishable Unit (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"As a guide to social and professional advancement ... the book is ... excellent." -- Nature

Product Description
A guide to all the different roles scientists must play-from "concertmaster" to "producer"--to succeed in the high-stakes world of professional science. In this inspiring book of personal insight and sound advice, veteran scientist Carl J. Sindermann gives an insider's look at the competitive world of science and reveals the best strategies for attaining prominence and success. Taking apart the many different roles scientists must play during their careers, Sindermann compares common mistakes scientists make with what the best strategists do-whether they are publishing papers, presenting data, chairing meetings, or coping with government or academic bureaucracy. In the end, he maintains, well-honed interpersonal skills, a savvy eye on one's competitors, and excellent science are the keys to a satisfying and successful career.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books; Revised edition (March 22, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738204250
• ISBN-13: 978-0738204253
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #811,560 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pragmatic Book for Scientists, February 11, 2002

By	Jason Hong (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book has one key message: every game has its rules, and scientists should understand the rules of their game and play it both professionally and ethically. Though many scientists may disdain such things, the author argues that the scientific enterprise is not divorced from the messy world of people, and that there are many complexities that scientists must master to have successful careers.

The author discusses a wide range of topics from a highly pragmatic standpoint, including publishing, presenting, attending meetings and conferences, chairing sessions, understanding problems women in science face, coping with bureacracy, and dealing with lawyers, politicians, and the public. I found these sections enlightening, since these are part of "The Things That You Don't Learn in Grad School But Should Anyway."

Although the author occasionally comes off as cynical, his basic message still stands. He has many good insights into how science works, and gives his honest opinion on the elements it takes (beyond a strong research ability) to become a successful and respected scientist.

13 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Common Knowledge....No Practical Advice, February 8, 2002

By A Customer

This is a good book for those scientists who are really, truly hiding under a rock, but will not be helpful for most others. The book can be summed up in a few sentences: Be nice to everyone you meet. Do good work. Don't allow yourself to get walked on. Now you can move on to a book with some practical advice like "Tomorrow's Professor."

4 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Play a Scientific Game, November 23, 2002

By	"kmhc" (Melbourne Australia) - See all my reviews

This book teaches the written and unwritten rules in the scientific games. How to move up, on and out to where you want and not to be a pawn in someone else's game.