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Five Essentials for Collaboration BY JULIE L. LATHER
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hat one person can do alone is multiplied exponentially when a group of people gather together to effectively tackle a question or problem. With the correct essentials, collaboration can move an organization forward. FIVE ESSENTIALS OF COLLABORATION INCLUDE ESTABLISHING: 1. Norms and values of how the group will operate 2. A framework/agenda/outline to maintain focus 3. An opportunity for group members to share ideas 4. A method of turning ideas into actionable steps 5. A summary tool that includes outcomes for each action step STEP 1: NORMS AND VALUES Norms and values allow a team to agree on what will guide daily work. Guidance statements such as, “we will start on time,” and “everyone will have a voice,” give group members clear expectations for operating. Begin establishing norms by having each individual write on a sticky note or index card what they want and do not want to happen in team meetings. Examples are: “I want our time to be productive,” or “I do not want to talk about things that are not focused on students.” Next, group the statements into categories such as statements related to time and statements related to the work. Narrow the categories down to three to five groups. Then, write a one-sentence statement that captures the collective sentiment of the team. In the end, you should have a minimum of three sentences and a maximum of five sentences that reveal the how you will operate. These norms should be at the top of every agenda at every meeting. Values state what a team believes. Look for answers to the following questions: What are we about every day? What does our team want to strive for? What is most important to our students? What is most important to us? Use the answers to these questions to create a Team Mission Statement. For example, “Our team agrees to put students first, set high expectations for all, and respect diversity.
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STEP 2: FRAMEWORK FOR FOCUS After norms and values are established, then teams need to discuss a framework for focus that will outline the meeting roles and parts. Choosing a format will be necessary. What format do we want for our meetings? One format example could be a literature circle model. Each person takes on different roles such as Note Taker, Discussion Director, Time Keeper, Data Technician, and Accountant. Another format example is the traditional model of a Team Leader facilitating an agenda that is shared prior to the meeting and followed during the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the agenda is completed by setting the future meeting date, articulating the steps that will be taken between meetings, and specifying what that needs to be accomplished for next time. STEP 3: SHARING IDEAS Everyone’s voice must be heard for all members to be engaged in the work. It is helpful for team members to have one or two minutes to reflect individually, then three or four minutes to reflect in a small group, and finally five to six minutes for small groups to share out with the larger group. When ensuring that everyone speaks, use an item such as a tennis ball, stuffed animal, or marker for the speaker to hold. If a team member is holding the item, then he or she has the floor. If a team member is not holding the item, then he or she does not have the floor. The conversation must be related to the topic. It is easy to wander from the focus. An effective leader is able to guide discussion using questions and gentle guidance. The Team Leader or Discussion Director will need to be assertive but kind. If there is a Time Keeper, then he or she must hold team members to time limits for sharing.
