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[banana]

Thanks, ruralguy!  I like the idea that news about active, reasonable, productive faculty spreads fast -- so often it seems like it's only people's flaws that anyone is interested in spreading news about!

[snowbound]

Glad to see that you're getting some recognition, banana!  Most of the university is unaware of who is contributing excellently on those minor committees.  But those who have already become recognized leaders (and who do things like make up shortlists, or influence those who do) often have a sixth sense for such things.  In fact, one of the leadership skills that I didn't mention in my list is the ability to notice other up-and-coming leaders and make use of them. That's why you've ended up on a shortlist.  Leaders NEED people with ability and enthusiasm to share their load, and you've been noticed by them.

[larryc]

Go down to the crossroads. A nattily-dressed man will have a piece of paper for you to sign to become an administrator.  Do not read the fine print. Do not focus on the sharp tang of brimstone that is almost masked by his excellent cologne.

[banana]

Thanks, Snowbound!

LarryC, why so cynical?  Part of my interest in this kind of committee work is explicitly to subvert the "us/them, good/bad" way of thinking on my campus.  I think it's counter-productive, and allows people to dismiss ideas out of hand, without critically and responsibly considering them.

[ruralguy]

Oh, I think LarryC was just getting in the requisite "dark side" and "sell your soul" jokes about administrators.

However, Banana, I think there's almost always going to be an "us" vs. "them" mentality.

Honestly, most faculty don't want to see how the sausage is being made, so to speak. But it has to be made, and sometimes unpopular stuff just has to get done, and then the people in responsible positions get blamed. Its just the way it goes.

In my feeling though, a self-governing faculty probably will be less likely to have this sort of mentaility (at least not all of the time). Sometimes, they will just have to blame themselves for their own bad decisions. In any case, involving the faculty as much as is possible, is probably the best route to not arouse suspicion and distrust.

[larryc]

I am not cynical at all, I am experienced. I actually work for an awesome dean.

[banana]

Happy to report that, after a long and involved balloting process, I've been elected!  Maybe the lesson is that waiting to be asked seems to work, if you wait actively -- i.e., serving well on other committees in the meantime.