The Power of Collaboration

Mrs Beth Nairn | Dean of Extra-Curricular

Collaboration in any context is about working together with others towards a common objective. When we collaborate, we are able to assemble and unify diverse perspectives, ideas, and skills. In reflecting on the celebration of our flagship community event, the Music Festival, the importance of collaboration has been reinforced.

“In the long history of humankind … those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”

Charles Darwin

Honing skills and learning from others to achieve a common goal

When we collaborate, we are exposed to different working styles and strategies. We are provided with the opportunity to work alongside individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Through the melding of minds, we can devise unique approaches to problem-solving, gain exposure to original ideas and diverse ways of thinking. The discussions that ensue serve to build tolerance, and hone communication and interpersonal skills. Each team member becomes better equipped to navigate complex problems and challenges, and the group as a whole is able to approach goals with a broader understanding of stakeholder needs and the nuances of any challenges involved. By leveraging diverse skillsets, teams are able to create something that is greater than the sum of its parts. The outcomes are more impactful, innovative, and effective than could have been achieved alone.

Self-sufficiency and teamwork

Working with others can be difficult. Disparate mindsets can lead to roadblocks. Successful collaboration requires a balance of self-sufficiency and teamwork. It is important for individuals to be able to work independently and take ownership of their work; it is equally important for them to work effectively as part of a team. When individuals are able to strike this balance, they are able to contribute to the success of the group while also developing their own skills and abilities.

Successful collaboration needs a tolerant and unprejudiced space. Individuals should be open-minded, respectful, and willing to share their own wisdom in a spirit of mutual generosity.

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”

Phil Jackson, NBA Head coach

Fostering Collaboration in Students

As educators, it is important to cultivate collaboration skills in our students by seeking genuine opportunities for them to work together to achieve a shared purpose. Extra-curricular pursuits often hit the mark in this respect. Students in extra-curricular groups often come from diverse backgrounds, connecting over a common interest. This environment can assist in creating an authentic culture of inclusivity and acceptance.

Music, sport, drama, performing arts and debating, to name a few, have at their core the ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with others. Extra-curricular programs include a broad range of endeavours in which students can express their creative and innovative ideas and interact with others in both low-risk situations and more competitive environments. They are encouraged to reflect on their actions, practice active listening, and discover appropriate ways to give and receive feedback. Through their interactions they learn to express themselves clearly, delegate tasks, and support one another. These are skills for life and will be interwoven in the attributes of our graduates.