Collaboration

One of the classes I'm taking is about collaboration.  Usually when you think of this word you think of working together, or being on a team.  In an educational sense you may think of co-teaching.  In a musical sense you may think of duets, or a joint effort on a song, or album.  I'm learning that collaboration is more than just working together.  It is people voluntarily working together toward a common goal.  Both or all participants are ready, willing and able.  In a collaborative effort everyone is coequal, meaning that they have equal power in the decision making.

In class we discussed how this works in a school setting.  Then the instructor had us think about collaboration in our own lives.  I thought about being the Cubmaster, and being a part of a Pack Planning Committee.  We discuss the needs of the Cubs.  We all brainstorm ideas of the upcoming Pack Night.  After we decide what activities we are going to do, we divvy up the responsibility.  We use the collective knowledge, experience, expertise, connections and resources that are available to us.

Then I thought of my marriage.  Kyle and I need to be equal partners.  We both have a say in the finances of our household, how to raise and discipline our kids, and the upkeep of our house.  We split up the different bills, household chores, running the kids here and there, etc.

One example that came up in class was the First Presidency and the Quorom of the Twelve.  These men come from different backgrounds, have had different experiences, have different personalities and have different expertise/interests.  Yet these men come together to discuss the needs of the church and have a common goal.  Sure they are inspired by the Lord.  We also thought that there might be contentions but we assume that having the Spirit with them eases tensions, and helps to unite these men toward the common goal. 

Within the church we have other collaborative groups.  What about Ward Council?  Or even the presidencies of each auxilary?  These people come together, discuss the needs of the people over whom they are responsible, and determine how to best help these people.  They also divide the resposibility or tasks at hand.

In my class we also discussed why some people don't want to be part of a collaborative group.  We determined it is because we are afraid that someone won't do their share, won't contribute in a meaningful way, won't participate.  But in that case, we can only account for ourselves, and take satisfaction in knowing we did our part.  We can't control others, collaboration isn't coersive.  At first collaboration may take more time and effort.  The hassle of choosing a time and place to meet.  But in the end, it is more productive than doing it alone.  Responsibility is shared, the load is lightened in the joint efforts toward the common goal.