How asking better questions changes supervisor relationships

Go from one-word responses to detailed PhD guidance from your supervisor

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Go from confused to clear about which questions to ask your PhD supervisor

Another email notification hits your professor’s inbox. It’s you. Again. With another vague request for “feedback” on your 75-page draft that you sent at 11:58 PM. The one where you asked, “Thoughts?” We’ve all been that student. I certainly was at one point. But after spending too many hours waiting for feedback or in limbo about some specific research issues, I realized something had to change. Here are the strategies that improved my academic relationships and might just preserve your supervisor’s sanity, too. And everyone loves a sane grad supervisor.

Be specific about what you need

Have you ever observed the difference between asking your partner ”Where should we eat?” versus “Italian or Thai: which sounds better to you tonight, honey?” One question’s got me stuck like Marty McFly with a busted flux capacitor looking at too many timelines to pick from. The other’s more like Tony Stark snapping his fingers: boom, decision made.

Instead, try asking your supervisor: “Could you review pages 12–15 where I discuss my methodology? I’m…