The Five Principles of Collaboration

Relationships are built around the concept of the Five Principles of Collaboration. In other words, when any of these principles is lacking, human relationships suffer. Therefore, it is critical to understand these principles so that relationships in the workplaces, social settings, or on intrapersonal levels are healthy and engaging. In the workplace for example, healthy employee-management relationships exist when collaboration is present. In social settings, people create internal prison walls when collaboration is absent, and intrapersonal relationship is healthy when the will to meaning is well established. The will to meaning refers to humans’ ability to understand their purpose in life and how that purpose connects to other elements they come in contact with. Dr. Viktor Frankl rightly noted that “The most basic human motivation is the will to meaning.”Essentially, if the will to meaning is absent in any setting, there is likelihood that anybody who comes in contact with such person would experience collaboration deficiency. Therefore, if we approach this concept of the five principles of collaboration with an open mind and curiosity, new information is contributed to the body of knowledge. The five principles of collaboration in this book is highlighted as, trust, respect, willingness, empowerment, and effective communication. While there is no particular order of flow on how these principles are expressed, a brief explanation is presented in the next paragraphs to prepare readers on what to expect throughout the chapters of this book. It is also important to note that, readers are encouraged to further their knowledge on these principles by researching further on references shared in this book. The idea is that, the more we know, the more we realize that we don’t know. In other words, as we dig deeper in researching references discussed in this book, we realized that we are just scratching the surface. Therefore, great emphases is laid on readers to take notes and read more about information provided in this book as they will definitely expand your knowledge on the topic of The Five Principles of Collaboration.

Study shows that 67 to 80 percent of second marriages end in divorce while third marriages have even higher rate of divorce. This means, if couples fail to “stop the bleeding” in their first marriage by doing whatever it takes to rectifying their differences, chances are same reasons why the first marriage failed is highly likely to reoccur. Therefore, examining the five principles of collaboration is critical in sustaining relationships at all levels. In the workplace, study shows that loneliness in the workplace is an indication of distrust, suspicion, and fear which invariably cause employee to avoid one another. In this context, trusting one another in the workplace is a recipe for healthy work environment. Deep relationships that exist between people depend on the level of respect they have for each other. When respect is lacking among friends, such friendship is standing at limbo. Any effort to ignore or disregard the very fabric that sustains human relationships is lethal.

The ability to engage in a conversation, perform in an event, demonstrate proficiency or exhibit moral turpitude in any setting is determined by the level of willingness to collaborate. In other words, the willingness to thrive in any endeavor creates relentless efforts and zealousness to collaborate with others. In the absence of willingness, collaborating with one another seems lackadaisical. An in-depth analysis will be examined to determine how the presence of willingness can enhance collaboration.

Empowerment is another principle that plays an integral role in a relationship. From behavioral and psychological dimensions, study shows that employee empowerment has proven to be a catalyst for job satisfaction. In other words, when employees feel empowered there is likelihood that they will experience job satisfaction. Empowerment can be explained as when an individual in a position of advantage shares his or her knowledge and data with subordinates. Such exercise increases motivation, trust, communication and a whole host of other constructs. In a relationship for example, when people feel empowered it flourishes the relationship if well directed.

Effective communication opens door into understanding and action. In other words, an effective communicator can use descriptive words to bring response into a situation. To measure the impact of how an effective communicator is interacting with another person, watch the receiver’s body language and gestures. A skillful communicator pays attention to words, and listens diligently. Listening is an art. It enhances clarity and engagement. Therefore, an effective communicator possesses all these components in an effort to promote collaboration.

The principles listed in this book cannot be achieved without diligence. Diligence is an act of discipline. Study shows that dental students’ diligence was a statistically significant predictor of their academic performance (Arthur, Shepherd, & Sumo, 2006). It is evident that doing same thing over and over again eventually brings a significant and measurable result. Therefore, in order to realize a measurable result in the area of collaboration, diligence is required. This book challenges you to ask yourself, Are you diligent in applying these five principles? Are you eager to challenge your old way of thinking? Are you willing to entertain new imagination? This book will guide you in answering these questions in its entirety.