Effective organization management relies on collaboration between organization members as well as other student organizations on campus. Collaboration can also be between an organization and a campus office or department (please reference the Department Sponsorship Minimum Requirements for more information about this type of collaboration). Below is information on what collaboration is and tips on how to collaborate within your organization.
For more information on creating a cohesive, functional environment within your organization through the use of collaboration, contact the Organization Development Consultants (ODC) at the Center for Leadership & Involvement.
Reasons to Collaborate:
- Can make the event more meaningful for everyone involved
- Expands funding sources
- More creative minds
- Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
- More planning resources
- Networking and outreach opportunities
- Larger event turnout
- Improve image and credibility
- Enhance the sphere of impact
- Increase Visibility
- Save on costs
How to Collaborate:
- Connect with people and with a purpose: Alliances are successful when key individuals connect personally and emotionally with a common social or cultural purpose and each other.
- Clarify your purpose: Jointly prepare a written purpose statement. Vagueness and ambiguity will cloud the vision and may lead to confusion or conflict.
- Ensure congruence of mission, strategy and values: Engage to identify alignment between mission, strategy and values. The closer the alignment, the greater potential for gains from collaboration.
- Create value: Jointly and explicitly outline the benefits expected from each party.
- Open & transparent communication between partners:
- Communication should be open, frank, and constructive.
- Respect and trust are imperative.
- Treat each other as equal partners.
- Embrace continual learning: Collaboration is dynamic. View the partnership as a learning opportunity and cultivate the discovery ethic that supports continual learning.
- Commit to partnership: “Over committing and under delivering can destroy partner credibility and neglect can lead quickly to partner disengagement.” (James E. Austin)