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.