Unlocking the Power of Collaboration

Collaborating with others is a skill that is emphasized from a young age. Phrases like “sharing is caring” are taught to children to encourage cooperative play, taking turns, negotiation, and learning how to cope with disappointments. Surprisingly, as adults, even after decades of practicing collaboration, we often encounter challenges when working in groups. There are several issues that arise when working with other individuals in a group setting.

Rebecca Ingall offers valuable strategies for improving the collaboration process in her article, “Writing ‘Eyeball To Eyeball’: Building A Successful Collaboration.” One particularly interesting concept she suggests is the establishment of a group contract, which serves as a “group constitution.” This document outlines the collective goals and ground rules that all group members agree to follow to create a productive, healthy, and creative work environment. As I read through her article, I couldn’t help but reflect on the chaotic, stressful, and drama-filled group projects I experienced during my middle and high school years. I realized how helpful the idea of a group contract could have been in those situations.

It’s normal to encounter what Ingall describes as “abnormal discourse” when working with individuals who have complex ideas, reasoning, and thinking processes. Surprisingly, Ingall suggests that these abnormal discussions can be a catalyst for positive growth and change within the group. She recommends adopting a “write-before-you-speak” approach when conflicts and tensions arise within a group. This approach allows individuals to process their thoughts and calm their minds before addressing the matter.

While everyone has their own preconceived notions about collaborations and group work, my stance has always been neutral: I neither love nor hate them. However, in life, collaborating with others is a skill we use daily, and it can be a powerful tool for enhancing our work and creating meaningful projects.

Read my latest blog post: “Exploring the Writer’s Mind”