Blog #4

             

            In chapter four of The Connected Educator, we begin to dive into the process of collaboration and all it entails. Collaboration spans across all lines of work and is often an essential part of work itself. In order to facilitate successful collaborations, one must start in building successful relationships. The book suggests that "fostering, nurturing, and maintaining positive, congenial relationships is the first step toward building collaborative cultures," (Hall & Nussbaum-Beach, p. 59). As basic as it may sound, it is entirely true. Just ask yourself: when was the last time a bunch of bickering, one-track minds ever accomplished anything of value?

            Another important component to relationships and collaborations is trust. All relationships, or strong ones - for that matter - are built on trust. And as I mentioned previously, all strong collaborations are built on strong relationships. Being able to trust in another opens the door for open communication, empathy, and understanding. These are all essential components to the process of collaboration. Beyond trust, "collegiality, shared vision, and group development" will also aid in the collaborative process, (Hall & Nussbaum-Beach, p. 58). The book lays out four important stages of collaboration, including: forming, storming, norming, and performing. All of these go hand-in-hand with each other and are essential for maintaining productive collaborations across the board.

            When it comes to my future career in media and film, collaboration is a no-brainer. As someone who wants to primarily write and direct, building and maintaining strong relationships is crucial. It is also crucial that I work with the needs of my collaborators to ensure everyone feels heard. While it may take some compromise, it will ultimately be worth it in the end. Challenging one's views and listening to the perspective of others is what paves way for change. When we put our heads together and share our individual thoughts and ideas we can achieve something greater. As they say, it takes a village!