Chapter 5: Collaboration Skills


Definition:

Working with others to achieve shared goals.


Introduction (Why is it important?):

Working well with others is, in most cases, an essential part of participating the workforce. Teamwork, a positive attitude, being respectful of others, and being accountable for one’s own actions are seen as fundamental skills by employers. 


Learning Objectives

Understand the five subsets of collaboration. The five subsets of collaboration are:


Skills Development:

There are many skills associated with being a good co-worker and team player.  


So, how does this relate to your student employment job?

Here are a few examples from student employee jobs here on campus:

Student Job on CampusCollaboration Method
Residence Life and Student Housing Working in teams and teambuilding is essential in residence life as an RA, security student staff and desk attendants.  You will rely on each other for support, assistance and feedback. 
Recreational Services - Gym AttendantWhile coaching intramurals – you rely on your student staff team to help you in breaking up a conflict on the field.  
SUB - ActivitiesWhile planning Homecoming, you work on a team to make sure all aspects of the event are divided and completed!  
Women’s Resource Center (WRC)When checking the lactation stations, you work as a team to divide up the stations in order to make sure all supplies are filled in each station.   
Dean of Students OfficeWhen working on New Student Orientation during the summer, you rely on your co-team members to assist and often work together on workshops and presentations.  

Here are how your academic classes can also help you learn effective professionalism skills:

ClassesProfessionalism Skills Developed
Anth 160 (Human Life)Exploring the life history patterns of humans help to understand how individuals adapt to their environment and those around them.
AMST 185 (Intro to Race, Class and Ethnicity)Understanding the world around you – and what makes you and others unique is imperative to collaboration.
Psychology and Sociology ClassesThese classes explore how people interact, think and behave; social norms are explored.