Collaborative Approach: A need for Educational Institution

Collaborative Approach is more about being compassionate and empathetic towards one another. In this approach, a leader doesn’t raise their voice against one another; also not one voice dominates the system but relies more on shared purpose. It means that everyone feels connected and valued. It's more of a process rather than a performance. It helps in the collaborative process work focusing a team involved towards something - to a particular decision that supports achieving a common goal.

Let's take the example of IDEO, a global designing, and innovation company that has established itself and is a clear example of work through collaboration, innovation, and creativity at the same time. It is highly viable in educational institutions; a successful example of IDEO through collaboration is STEM in education. It motivates young minds towards critical thinking and helps to foster their creativity.

An educational organization cannot be run one-handedly, especially for progressive educators it's very important to align with 21st-century skills. One of which is collaboration. It is highly guided by Nelson Mandela's approach of leading from behind. The main idea of collaboration is to complete a task together with a team.

Innovation is one of the important traits of collaborative leadership. The examples of IDEO/Mass studio which made the successful use have already proven it.

                                             Collective genius: An educational institution requires and deals with different departments for the better delivery of education. So here it means that there are various leaders assigned in different areas such as Academic, Administrative, and ECAs which are led by different leaders but they collectively work together for a common purpose. They all work in different departments for better achievement in students' holistic development. So it's obvious the department head are the experts in their own areas whereas they can give very valuable input to the other colleague forming a good team.

        Web of relationship: It helps to create the web of relationships in an organization by interconnecting everyone. They work collaboratively with their respective team members but align with the same mission. The interdependence, equal framework of rules, visible idea sharing, developing shared vision and purpose, taking the risk, and learning from failures further help in team strengthening of the employees by creating a web of relationships.

Collaboration is a great tool for teamwork, highly useful for the generation of emergent and novel outcomes where the work and process of achieving the goal result in unique and with special outcomes.

 

Sharing some ideas to Resolve Conflict through Better Communication

 

            When it comes to communication John Maxwell says, “Communications are not about us, they're about others" in one of his books, Everyone Communicates Few Connect. Communication is indeed more about making connections. We need to communicate to our Peers, Colleagues, Direct Reports, and Executives every day at our workplace. The mode of communication being internal, external, in-person or virtual, verbal or non-verbal, there are chances we often come across conflicts.

    Conflicts are an inevitable part of work and one cannot deny it. It can have a negative impact on your task and personality, sometimes even costing you too way much. However, with the ability to handle and resolve it effectively, you can eliminate many of the disguised problems that it brought to the surface. So here I talk about a few ideas that can help you resolve your conflicts in a peaceful manner at your workplace.

    First Communication is very vital during the time of Conflict: We often mistake and mix up the conflicts with feelings and tend to take things personally. However, the best ways to resolve conflict are having communication, resolving the disagreement productively, and leaving the relationship intact. Following these five steps:

1. Active listening: Many conflicts arises as we are not ready to listen but instead put our ways ahead before the other person could forward their ideas. So active listening will help you to get an idea of what the other person is thinking about and of. Try to get a clue by listening patiently
2. Do not react: Reaction might end up taking things to the personal level. So here have control over your emotions. Do not forget the respect part, it's very important that you choose your words wisely while you communicate and not end up being disrespectful.
3. Respond: After listening to the other side, agree on the issue. The other side might have a different interest; try to get to their point of view. Be courteous and discuss matters constructively.

4.     4.  Present your Facts: Usually, when things are beyond your reach, it's very important that you gather facts and present them on the basis of it. As facts speak more than a person's perception they can create an impact where you can be in a common point.

5.      5. Come for the Final Solution: Eventually, when you agree upon the issue, you can mutually come to a midpoint seeking a final solution that you both agree upon. Be open to the other side's idea and reach out jointly. This way a conflict can be resolved even when you have a difference in opinions and views.

The reason for conflict may be due to different leadership, culture, and work styles as the change of norms, customs and styles can be challenging. However, we can always apply the 3S' by John Maxwell; Keep it Simple, Say it slow and Have a Smile!

 Better communication always helps and impacts your performance. Unresolved conflicts may become a snowball leaving an unhealthy impact on your social and emotional health. On the contrary, you can use it to deepen your connection with others, build greater trust and respect, improve teamwork and help in problem-solving.

 

 

I'm a working Mother and Yes, I chose this!!

 I'm a working Mother, and Yes, I'm proud I chose this!!

I became a mother at a very young age, so I was a college student when my daughter was born. By the time my daughter became ready for preschool, I had considered studying and working hand in hand. My daughter went to the same school where I worked, so essentially, I got to see her growing. Sometimes she would sneak up in my office entryway amid her can break, and I would tell her to go to her course. I never hugged her or took advantage of being in the same place; I thought it wouldn't be the right thing to do professionally. Now seeing her grow, I regret million times not doing so; a single embrace wouldn't have fetched much, though!! 

It was convenient or fair enough if I say full partnership in raising our girl from my husband. He never mentioned or made me feel my job was less important than his whenever it came about taking care of our girl, though he earned many, many times more than I did. He has always and always been there for me throughout every thick and thins, whether it was dropping me to work or going for a solo tour with our daughter while I was working or studying. Occasionally his friends and cousins would tease him, saying, "He doesn't have time as he's so busy raising two girls."

Definitely, things weren't as easy as described in words, but I regret little of it! Having said that, sometimes I ponder, was it always okay to leave a sick baby behind at home while myself being at the office? Or maybe because my baby always bid me with a smile, and I would find it as a motivation. Though the brighter side is the school was the next home for us, and it was because of the lovely people and caring teachers. In a way, the school took care of my child, Miss Anju: the principal ma'am made sure I was a happy parent. There were times when she would take care of things without my knowledge; I might never have shown gratitude, but it's engraved deep in my heart. 

The most challenging times were when my Lil one had to be hospitalized (as all children do; fever, cold, and cough issues). It would be heart-wrenching to leave a sick child at home and be at work after clearing an entire night on the child's ward. But my family would invariably be there at home, allowing me to pursue my career with somebody else having the escape. This is just one instance. There have been hundreds like these, but nothing stopped me from going on my job or studying. Not because I cared less for my Lil one, but because of the supportive hands I had at home.

She's 10 plus now, and I have completed my education ( Basic; let's say, as learning is infinite), and I work as usual. But I'm glad we never missed a time when we could be together; if it was a holiday, we would always take her places to visit or spend a moment in the bookstore, library, children's park. My husband and I acted clear. We filled her childhood with splendid memories and created frequent travels; we always wanted to give her unique experiences by exploring different opportunities.

Despite choosing to become a working mom, I somehow managed not to miss her childhood. During off days, I made sure that it would always be about her, playing with her, taking her to the children's park, going for her favorite blueberry smoothie or her favorite blueberry cheesecake. Of course, my brothers accompanied me to each of those. With time the places changed like we started going for short hikes, her football session, swimming sessions, basketball, guitar and piano lessons, karkhana, grooming tales, chatterbox, which was her choice. While I studied, we did it together to make sure we had quality time. I always read her a chapter of the storybook before leaving whenever I had to work while she had an off day. As a result, with time, she loved reading too! We would go for dry picnics or simply write a story,  visit the parlor for a hairstyle, and cook her favorite food during weekends. I took Bebo to new places for vacations, which would be all about her again, accompanied either by my brothers or Shraddha. This has helped me develop a strong bond and rapport with my child. 

Trust me, it was good to hear from your Lil one; it meant a lot to me. It was possible because of the shared Responsibility at home. I am glad she has these lovely memories; the things I mentioned above are those she reminisces a lot! And she never complains that I'm a busy working mom; instead offers a helping hand. And to add sparks recently, she complimented that I balance my work and home life so well, which, according to her, was my strength.

Words aren't enough to thank my daughter's Nanny Pramila didi (6 months to 10 yr old), who literally took care of my baby while I was away at work, my mamu and mother-in-law for always being there leaving everything behind for her during her month's vacation, my brothers for rushing up in the middle of the night or early mornings over a call, Gaurab for choosing to babysit and dropping me to work canceling his dates (as shared by his then-girlfriend now wife), don't kill me for this Kanchi Maiya :D and nanu for staying up the whole night holding her in arms so that I could sleep well and many more instances when they stayed back for her while I was preparing either for my studies or meetings. There was a time when I wanted to give up my studies (you can imagine how overwhelming can motherhood be), but my husband hired a home tutor for me instead.

 So this journey of a young mom in her early twenties became possible as a working and learning mom because of these beautiful people. When I look back, these people made my life more convenient, and I shall be lifelong indebted to them.

Always remember your family members might lend a helping hand, but your child is your primary Responsibility!! I had this thing engraved in my mind from the beginning, and gladly my husband and I are on the same pace.