Archaeology in the UK is and should remain a multi-layered profession, from the academic to the commercial, amateur to professional. Across this wide-ranging and ever advancing discipline, the work of the field archaeologist is as essential as that of an office based manager, a specialist or an academic researcher. Working towards the common goal, each sector plays a unique and vital role in the process of uncovering, preserving, interpreting and presenting our shared past. This enhances today’s society and, to extent, allows us to predict its potential future developments as much as telling stories about our past.
While a certain amount of otherwise harmless rivalry can be expected between us, as groups of professionals, regrettably, this can sometimes escalate into conflict and cliques, undermining the collaborative spirit that is essential for us all to do our job. In archaeology, as within other disciplines, showing mutual respect is key for maintaining a healthy, constructive, working relationship. We are, after all, part of a greater whole, so how do we work out our differences in a constructive way?
Understanding the Value of Each of Us
It is essential that we start with recognising that each sector within archaeology brings a particular set of skills as well as perspectives. We all have a vague understanding of each other’s work but do we really understand and appreciate how valuable each role is for the discipline as a whole?
For instance, Field Archaeologists are a vital backbone of any project, meticulously uncovering, sampling and recording often fragile remnants of the past; frequently in demanding weather in time constrained conditions.
Project Managers oversee the often highly complex and stressful logistics of multiple project, usually under looming deadlines; while at the same time tendering for potential new projects, to secure further work for the staff.
Specialists and researchers examine finds and data recovered by the field staff, using their expert knowledge to provide valuable insights into particular historical contexts. These findings can be further advanced via academic studies, used to test existing and/or develop new theoretical frameworks.
We could go on, recognising and appreciating the value of each individual or group, and this is the first step towards fostering mutual respect. It goes beyond a common courtesy, however, professionals who understand the significance of their colleagues’ contributions, are more likely to collaborate and support each other effectively for the greater good. of their colleagues’ contributions, are more likely to collaborate and support each other effectively for the greater good.
Opening Dialogues
Effective communication becomes the cornerstone of any successful relationship, so by encouraging discussion and conversations between different sectors of archaeology we can help bridge gaps and resolve misunderstandings – just like on the BAJR Group. Regular updates and interdisciplinary workshops can provide opportunities for professionals to share their experiences, challenges, and achievements with each other. So by fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued, organisations can prevent healthy competition from turning into a downright conflict and resentment. The same should apply to the extragenerational professional relationships between the more senior and the early career colleagues.
It is important to remember that not one of us is better than another; we can all learn from each other if we communicate effectively and positively.
Encouraging Collaboration Over Competition
While healthy competition can be fun and may even result in pushing ourselves to new ideas and achievements, negative rivalry can be extremely detrimental. Collaboration over competition leads to better outcomes for an organisations and the profession as a whole.
Joint initiatives, partnerships, and problem-solving can harness the strengths of different elements of our discipline and create a more cohesive and productive environment for us all.
Collaboration between field and post-excavation staff is a good example, this can be a simple ‘toolbox talk’ dialogue at the beginning of a project, with input open to all, this can avoid unnecessary misunderstanding and help evolve better working relationships and mutual respect between fieldworkers and specialists.
Celebrating Achievements
Acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of our shared work can strengthen bonds and promote a sense of unity. Whether it’s a groundbreaking discovery, a successful excavation, or a well-received publication, recognizing the efforts of all involved parties can boost morale and reinforce mutual respect. It can be simply acknowledging the help and listing the names of all participants of a project in a publication or a lecture etc. The important element is the collective success of the profession as a whole.
Fostering a Culture of Respect
BAJR has always been clear that creating a culture of mutual respect within the discipline requires deliberate action from all levels of the profession— from academic or government bodies to commercial companies. Creating policies and practices that promote inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all archaeological practitioners should be a common shared goal across the profession. Clearly, this presupposes that any such policies are put into practice and upheld by all.
Training programs, mentorship opportunities, and diversity initiatives can help build a workplace and a professional environment, in which everyone feels valued and respected. Embedding respect in the work culture makes it easier to successfully manage and navigate differences of opinions and maintain cordial professional relationships amongst colleagues.
Conclusion
The success of archaeology as a discipline depends on the collaboration of its various parts. By understanding the value of each, by promoting open communication, celebrating achievements, encouraging collaboration over competition, and fostering a culture of respect, all practitioners of the discipline can feel part of the whole.
Mutual respect is the key to unlocking archaeology’s full potential and to achieving communal success. If we, as archaeologists, are unwilling to understand and respect each other within the profession, than how can we be valued or trusted by the contemporary society, which, after all, decides our continued existence?
In the current climate of growing misinformation, mistrust and conflict, do we want to be seen as exclusive, secretive and obstinate or do we want to show to our fellow citizens that we are open-minded, transparent, and, above all, happy to share the finite resource that is our collective past?
You decide… next time you feel justified at complaining about field staff not pulling their weight or management not caring about the archaeology on site… THINK about it! The choice about how we see ourselves is yours.
