Mod three: Working as a Collaborative Group

Building a collaborative environment in the workplace isn't always easy. With so many different personalities, styles and ideas all vying for prominence, there's bound to be a little conflict now and then. Yes, I believe that humans have a basic instinct to interact and work as a group. But with a little extra effort and a bit of old-fashioned diplomacy we can do our part to make a collaboration work. Some of those ways are staying positive. Few things temper enthusiasm more quickly than negativity. If you really want to make a collaboration work, you'll need to do your part to create a positive, supportive, nurturing environment where optimism and good will abound. Listening is another way.  Don't assume you know what the other person plans to say. Rather than interrupting, allow the person to finish speaking before you reply. Make sure you understand what the person is actually saying; and if you aren't sure, ask questions to clarify. I believe one of the most important ways of building a collaborative team is ensuring that you recognize the other person's value. Appreciate each person's potential contribution to the collaboration. By acknowledging each individual's unique talent and what it offers the team, you'll find it easier to work together toward a common goal.

Reference:

Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html

Beckman, M. "Collaborative Learning: Preparation for the Workplace and Democracy" College Teaching, 2007

I have posted to the following colleagues blogs:

Karen Wondergem

Temeka Shingles