Over the past weeks, we’ve reflected on whose voices are heard, whose work is praised, and who carries invisible labour. This week, we turn to another deeply embedded pattern: the praise of speed.
In academia, how often do we celebrate being fast?
- “That was a quick turnaround!”
- “Impressive—so many papers in such a short time.”
- “Thanks for the rapid response.”
Speed is often framed as efficiency. Productivity. Excellence.
But what might it also be doing?
- Prioritising output over depth
- Rewarding urgency over thoughtfulness
- Creating pressure to constantly keep up—often at the expense of care, wellbeing, and inclusion
Not all work can—or should—be fast.
Careful thinking, meaningful collaboration, inclusive practices, and ethical reflection often take time. When speed becomes the norm, slower—but equally valuable—ways of working can be overlooked.
This week’s micro-action: Notice how speed is valued.
In your academic spaces:
- Pay attention to when speed is praised or expected
- Notice how often timelines are framed as urgency rather than choice
- Reflect on your own habits—when do you equate speed with success?
Where possible:
- Acknowledge depth, care, and thoughtfulness—not just quickness
- Create space for slower, more reflective work
- Question whether “faster” always means “better”
This is not about rejecting efficiency. It is about expanding what we value.
Because how we define excellence shapes how we work—and who can thrive.
Reflection questions:
- When have I equated speed with quality in my academic practice?
- What might change if I valued depth and care as much as efficiency?
Let’s rethink the pace of academia—together.
Illustrated by Nila Sathish