Compassionate collaboration creates groups that are stronger, more productive, and more cohesive.
Mother Theresa once said, “None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” This spirit is at the heart of our compassionate collaboration.
Our well-being and growth are closely connected to our relationships with others and the world around us. As human beings, we want to be part of something larger than ourselves. We collaborate with others to achieve goals that would be unobtainable, or more difficult, to achieve alone.
We are all born with the capacity to collaborate, but as with any compassionate leadership skill it takes practice to master. Collaborating in a way that encourages creativity and recognizes the contributions of each member in a team builds a foundation for our compassionate leadership.
Compassionate collaboration thrives in a supportive environment where members are inspired and empowered to share ideas. It requires leaders to both foster an appreciation for the perspectives and talents of those around them and to have the humility to understand that no single individual has all the answers.
Compassionate collaboration naturally encourages team members to “pay it forward.” When we experience the power and productivity of a truly collaborative group, we want to repeat the experience in our other endeavors. This multiplies the impact of collaboration far beyond the initial effort. When we embrace collaboration, we foster a culture of empathy, inclusion, belonging, trust, safety, and respect. This leads to groups that are more nurturing, cohesive and effective in an ever-changing world.
Ten tips for compassionate collaboration
• Start a conversation with your members about your commitment to change.
• Share your vision.
• Commit to diversity and inclusion.
• Encourage shared agreements and compassionate dialogues.
• Establish transparency by clearly communicating expectations and team goals.
• Practice active listening.
• Build trust with open communication.
• Foster team camaraderie.
• Embrace setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
• Celebrate your teammates’ successes.
ATLF AMBASSADORS CORNER
Becoming an ATLF Ambassador has connected me to a network of individuals who are
driven to learn more about compassionate leadership and spread awareness about hazing.The Antonio Tsialas Leadership Foundation has also given me and other students resources to build upon our compassionate leadership skills and help others within our local community. The ambassador network has granted me opportunities to work with
students at other high schools and universities. Now, that I have been an ambassador for almost three years, I have begun co-facilitating during leadership meetings and helping new ambassadors learn more about compassionate leadership. The latest meeting included using cooking as a way of demonstrating and developing one’s own leadership skills. Throughout the meeting, students discussed how one can be present, practice active listening, be flexible and account for the needs of others as well as their own needs.
Athena Tsialas- College ATLF Ambassador
