Advisor’s new, anonymous museum director begins to document their thoughts and experiences in the sector.
For entries from Advisor’s previous 2023/24 contributor, follow the links below.
Well go me. In some senses I feel I’ve made it. I’ve gained an exalted title of Museum Director having done all manner of things across museums, not to mention my days in a different career entirely! I’m mid-career, have achieved lots, failed at times of course. I have a list of organisations that said no to me over the years, but a fairly well-rounded CV which has led me to this place. This museum.
Feels great to be calling the shots at a place I chose both for how interesting it was, what I felt it could achieve as an institution, and how it really fit with my work-life balance desires (translation…. I don’t have to commute on trains anymore and miss the kids’ bedtime!).
So how did I get here…and do I deserve it? Well, there are things I know I’m good at (don’t worry, this won’t be me extolling my own virtues!). I am diplomatic, patient, an active listener but can be decisive, reaching decisions using a balance of intuition and evidence. I am a risk taker, but I am not reckless. And I exude confidence (so I am told).
But what do I know now I am here? Certainly, very little about the subject matter to which the museum is dedicated. I was confident about that in my previous place, that’s how I got into museums. But for career development I have jumped ship to a different subject entirely. Additionally, I haven’t spent years discussing interpretation learning objectives alongside mastering Economic Theory of Museums. I’ll be honest, when people are discussing the intricacies of collections care and surrounding challenges, I am positively mute.
No, I have obtained this role due to certain achievements on my CV, and clearly a performance at interview which seemed to impress more than other applicants.
I’ll be honest, when people are discussing the intricacies of collections care and surrounding challenges, I am positively mute
- The Secret Museum Director
But when in a position like this, as I assume is the case in many cultural and for-profit institutions, you often find yourself in a room with specialists. These are people who, unlike me, might have spent 10, 20, even 30 years honing one skill, one area of expertise; one hyper-focussed role which not only guarantees their employability in the sector, but tangibly improves that aspect of any museum they work for. These people are heritage experts, IT specialists, learning and engagement colleagues, commercial managers etc etc etc.
And I have, when lacking confidence, flitted around without really developing that one super-duper skill. It’s easy to sink into your chair, mid-meeting on a Tuesday morning. It’s easy to feel like some – even all – of your new colleagues have figured you out. “Why is this person in charge? They don’t know anything about what we do! Let’s throw them out the door!”
In a sense… I’m conscious of not knowing.
But knowing what you don’t know, is ultimately a strength. As Socrates said “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing”. So I need to be honest, listen to my specialists, balance their views and the evidence, and think of the big picture.
That’s how decisions are made. That’s why I’m here, I think….
