In the Academic Zoo, the tall cranes towered over the landscape, their sharp eyes surveying the horizon. Known for their wisdom and years of experience, they were regarded as the leaders of thought. Meanwhile, the finches darted through the air, small and energetic, filled with fresh ideas. The cranes often dismissed the finches. “What could they know? They haven’t seen as much as we have.” The finches, in turn, avoided the cranes. “They’re stuck in their ways and won’t understand our perspectives and ideas.”
One day, a fierce storm swept through the zoo, uprooting trees and flooding the habitats. The cranes, with their high vantage point, could see where the safest ground was. However, their large wings made it difficult to navigate through the tight spaces and tangled branches. The finches, agile and quick, offered to guide the cranes through the chaos. Together, they reached safety and began working to rebuild the zoo. The cranes shared their knowledge of long-term structures, while the finches contributed innovative, fresh perspectives, ideas, and designs.
Their collaboration created a stronger, more resilient zoo. From then on, the cranes and finches worked together, recognising that each brought unique strengths to the Academic Zoo.
Moral: The synergy between experience and innovation is essential for academia to thrive and adapt to changes
Are you collaborating with academics who are at different levels of their career?
What are your strategies to foster the synergy between junior and senior academics?
Christa & Anne-Wil
