Management in Archaeology

[Gilraen]

How important are management skills and training (including people management) in a career in archaeology?

[vulpes]

Very important, I voted. However, having worked for 2 RAOs in project officer positions - I must say I never had any. That said going from being a site assistant to directly managing large teams of people is a big leap and I'm sure the (none existant) training would have been useful. The first of these organisations was a 'recognised Investor in People' and still is.

The situation in local government units is probably better - as management training is seen as a key competency within councils. Mind you - how many Project Managers have had any training in project management? Or business and marketing? The lack of training in archaeology as a profession does not stop with fieldwork and post-excavation skills.

You say 'slave trader' - I say 'Investor in People'. Joke. [:o)]

[historic building]

Any management in archaeology would be a good idea.

[Gilraen]

In answer to Vulpes, I work for an RAO which has Investors in People and I we have undergone internal training in Project Management, we have had countless management day schools (from external sources) and I have also been encouraged - and completed - the Level 4 SVQ in Management, all paid for by my company.

I agree - management skills is very important, from managing the small jobs to the large ones. I also consider people management skills to be paramount in archaeology, particularly in a profession where morale can sometimes not be the best.

[tom wilson]

It depends what you mean by 'career in archaeology' really doesn't it. It is still possible to get quite far as a specialist of one sort or another without having to manage large sums of money or teams of people. Generally though, management skills and training among contractors and consultants are lamentable in my experience: relying solely on aptitude and a desire for self-improvement. Gilraen, it sounds like you're working for one of the better organisations in this respect.

[Orkynowot]

Training in archaeology would be like finding Atlantis

May god go with you in all the dark places you must walk.

[1man1desk]

Management skills are essential in any kind of professional career, although the nature, scope and degree of skill required may vary quite a lot.

People management is important for everyone (even one-man-bands; after all, they still have to 'manage' their clients).

I certainly never had any management training (or professional training of any sort) provided or supported by my employer until I started working for a big consultancy that is not primarily an archaeological organisation (although it is an RAO, as well as an IIP).

1man1desk

to let, fully furnished

[trowelfodder]

ive been really put off the idea of management training as the company i have just left seem to put all thier effort into creating a veneer of proffessionalism and learning management speak but all it seems to do is encourage them to see in pound signs and make diggers lives more difficult - maybe some kind of happy medium is needed

[mercenary]

I actually got signed up to a management training course by my most recent employer. It was I believe an EU funded course for small businesses. Sadly the realities of commercial archaeology- we got really busy, meant that I couldn't attend. So I continue to make do with a hodge-podge of acquired skills and prejudices that passes for management skills in the archaeological industry.B)

[BAJR Host]

Often one of the biggest problems that gets mentioned to me 'offlist' is where archaeologists try to be business managers....but forget that management is a skill that should be learned. Just being in charge does not make a good manager.

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu