Posts Tagged Collaboration

The Truth About Instilling Responsibility in Others

On October 29, 2020 / Responsibility

At the heart of the word responsibility lies the concept of the ability to respond: RESPONS-ABILITY.

Although we think we give responsibility, it is really only effective when it is taken. Therefore, by its very nature responsibility between people is mutual—as are all successful attachments.

Responsibility has a counterpart of accountability. One reason that people resist imposed accountability is that the people in superior positions tell others what they are accountable for but not what they, themselves, are accountable for.

If you expect someone to be responsible and would like optimal performance, then share how you will be accountable.

As long as you are positioning yourself to influence others, you are in a leadership role. An effective approach is to … >>>

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Collaboration Reduces Stress

On March 15, 2018 / Stress Management

Image of people sharing ideas and collaborating.

If you want to reduce stress in relationships, focus on collaboration rather than domination.

In contrast to dominating someone, when you aim at collaboration, stress is reduced and relationships improve. A simple approach to begin the collaboration process is by asking the other person’s opinion. The technique is amazingly simple and so effective.

Another simple approach is to ask for the … >>>

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Reduce Stress with Collaboration Not Domination

On February 9, 2016 / Stress Management

The image displays the words “Without Stress Tips” in white against a blue background along a gold lotus blossom.

Dominating another person may feel good, but think of the effect it has on the other person—as well as on yourself. Just as no one likes to be told what to do, no one likes to be dominated. In addition, domination is a close cousin of stress because it releases a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. In contrast to dominating someone, when you aim at collaboration, stress is reduced and relationships improve. A simple approach to begin the collaboration process is by asking the other person’s opinion. The technique is amazingly simple and so effective. Another simple approach is to ask for the other person’s help. It is a rare situation when you will ask someone for … >>>

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Collaboration Eases Discipline

On October 30, 2013 / Effectiveness, Parenting

One of the best ways to make parenting (and discipline in general) easier and less stressful is to view yourself as being in collaboration with your children rather than being a rule enforcer. No matter how challenging your children may be today, they really do want to grow up and be responsible adults, and you certainly want that for them as well. So in a sense, you are both working toward the same goal. Why not work together? Collaboration among individuals is always more effective for improved efficiency and relationships.

Here’s a story that shows how collaboration makes any task easier.

During a hike in the woods, a group of Boy Scouts came across an abandoned section of a railroad … >>>

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Competition, Collaboration, and Learning

On August 10, 2012 / Articles

Competition increases performance but hinders much learning.

COMPETITION

One needs to look no further than the business or sports section of any newspaper to see the pervasiveness of competition. There is no doubt that competition increases performance. Athletic teams, bands, and other performing groups practice for hours spurred on by the competitive spirit. Fair competition is valuable and can be lots of fun. Competition in classrooms, however, is fun for the winner but is often unfair for the others because the same children usually win, making it uninvolving and dull for others.

If a student rarely finds himself in the winner’s circle, then competitive approaches kill the drive for learning. Think of it this way. People compete because they want … >>>

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